National organizations generally rise to fill a community need, and that’s certainly been the case when it comes to mental health awareness. The following groups can be found in various forms either directly on college campuses, where they may collaborate with students to provide support services, or indirectly, by providing valuable resources to colleges around the United States. Here are five groups, alphabetically listed, which may already (or may be able to) supplement services at your school.

 

Active Minds

Active Minds is a nonprofit organization with over 600 student-led chapters on college campuses nationwide. Their goal is to normalize conversations about mental health and educate others on the importance of prioritizing mental health care. Active Minds chapters are a supportive community of peers ready to discuss mental health issues such as anxiety and depression and spread awareness throughout campus through events like trivia nights and fundraisers. In many senses, the group offers club-like experiences: attending social events, connecting with others, fostering friendships, and coming together for a common goal—but there’s the added bonus of a safe space to discuss your problems and concerns. Visit activeminds.org for more information or to find nearby chapters.

 

Jed Foundation

The Jed Foundation (JED) brings mental health programming to students, including help with life skills, substance abuse, suicide prevention and awareness, and online resources. Their JED Campus program specifically works with individual schools to strengthen the sense of community and overall mental health, but JED itself also more broadly offers information and advice on a wide range of topics, including anxiety, stress, loneliness, cyberbullying, financial stress, and relationship problems. Other resources include finding support, whether it’s a culturally competent therapist or a specific online community. JED also offers campaigns, like Seize the Awkward, which worked to make mental health conversations with friends—especially social groups focused primarily on fun—to feel more natural and less uncomfortable.

 

Mental Health America

Although Mental Health America isn’t specific to college campuses, its scientifically validated screening services are often used by teens and young adults. For students at colleges that do not offer screenings (or do not do so anonymously or confidentially), these tools may be invaluable in helping to determine if there are signs of a mental health condition. These self-administered tests are meant to be repeatable, so that users can track their own trends and take steps to minimize any growing concerns before they become severe. Those who learn to differentiate between general and specific symptoms can then find either the tools to improve their current situation or a professional who can provide an official diagnosis and a course of action. The site also provides a database for national support groups that individuals can turn to in times of need.

 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

NAMI On Campus clubs are located at colleges nationwide. They are student-led and have a mission to raise mental health awareness, educate the community, advocate

for more support resources, and help students. NAMI clubs are a part of a larger national movement to make mental health support, resources, and education available for everyone. To access resources that range from helpful podcasts, videos, and webinars to support groups, educational classes, and a HelpLine for teens and young adults, visit nami.org.

 

TimelyCare

TimelyCare, a nationally available service among its partners helps colleges help their students by providing a wide variety of professional services, such as TalkNow’s 24/7 virtual health and well-being guidance, or the Digital Self-Care suite of tools to help users “navigate the unique health challenges they face.” TimelyCare’s scope and scale—it has licensed and diverse providers in each of the states, is currently available in over 350 campuses, and has served millions of students—means that it can help to cover some of the specific nuances that a partnering school might not yet be able to address on its own. Supplemental programing like this can be critical for students, and those who have access to TimelyCare should see if it can be of help to them.