Resources for Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Reliable Sources of MH/SA Information

The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center is devoted to raising awareness of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. We believe access to trustworthy information is imperative for patients and their families.

This section of our site is dedicated to reputable sources of information about mental illnesses and treatment as well as advocacy groups, not-for-profits, fellowships, and other organizations. If you’re looking for trustworthy guidance on mental health or substance use in Florida, the resources below are a reliable place to start. You’ll find government and academic sources, public helplines, and community organizations that offer credible information and support. Explore what’s most relevant to you, then reach out if you need help taking the next step.

Government and Academic Sources for Information:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
The NIMH is the federal agency charged with research on mental health disorders and informing public policy that affects Americans with mental illnesses and their families. It is an expansive and reputable source of information about mental illnesses.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
NIDA is a government institute at the National Institutes of Health that conducts clinical research on drug use and addiction for the federal government. They have a wealth of information about addiction research, specific drugs and their effects, and much more.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
The preeminent source for research and scientifically validated information on alcohol use disorders and their treatment.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
The CDC is another federal public health agency. While most people think of them as dealing only with infectious diseases, they are also trustworthy sources of information about addiction and mental health. For example:

Harvard University Department of Psychiatry Research
Harvard University’s page for their Department of Psychiatry research.

Stanford University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services
Stanford University’s page for mental health research and information.

Duke University Psychiatry & Behavioral Services
Duke University’s page for mental health research and information.

Johns Hopkins Department of Mental Health
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is a solid source of information about mental health disorders and the products of research.

Public Sources for Access to Services:

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA is a federal agency that advances public health, specifically focusing on the behavioral health of Americans. They are an excellent source of information and connections to local resources for substance abuse and mental health treatment.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
CALL: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Use Lifeline Chat to chat online.

The Lifeline is a free, confidential crisis service that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Lifeline connects people to the nearest crisis center which provides crisis counseling and mental health referrals.

Veterans Crisis Line
CALL: 1-800-273-8255 and PRESS 1

The Veterans Crisis Line serves Veterans, service members, National Guard, and Reserve members, and their loved ones in a time of crisis. You do not need to be enrolled in the VA to use their services.

Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)
Florida DCF provides child and family services, and resources for domestic violence, disabilities, substance abuse, and mental health to residents of Florida. They also act as a regulatory agency for other organizations that provide related services in the state of Florida. Our team also authored a guide on the Marchman Act if you are looking for additional information.

The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a charitable organization that provides homeless shelters, addiction treatment for people without the means to pay, food for the hungry, LGBTQ+ support, and help for domestic abuse.

Fellowship Groups and Advocacy Organizations:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is an excellent source of information, support, and advocacy for people living with mental illnesses and their loved ones.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
The original 12-step fellowship that started it all. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Narcotics Anonymous is a worldwide 12-step fellowship for people who want to live drug-free.

Cocaine Anonymous (CA)
A 12-step fellowship for people seeking freedom from cocaine, one day at a time.

Marijuana Anonymous
A 12-step fellowship for people who want to live without marijuana in their lives.

Celebrate Recovery (Christian 12-step for addiction)
A Bible-centered alternative to AA and NA for Christians seeking freedom from addiction.

SMART Recovery
A secular alternative to AA and NA for people who want freedom from addiction.

Refuge Recovery
A Buddhist alternative fellowship for people who want to abstain from drugs and alcohol.

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA)
12-step group for people with sex and love addictions. The only qualification for S.L.A.A. membership is a desire to stop living out a pattern of sex and love addiction.

Find Mental Health Treatment and Support in Florida

When you’re ready to move from research to care, our team can help you understand treatment options in South Florida and what they look like day to day. Many people begin by exploring mental health treatment, substance abuse programs, or integrated dual-diagnosis care to address co-occurring conditions. Others want clarity on levels of care such as PHP or IOP, how admissions works, what insurance may cover, or which location is most convenient for family involvement.

If you’d like a private, no-pressure conversation about fit, reach out—one of our admissions specialists can walk you through options and help you plan a safe, realistic next step. Call us today at (877) 958-9212