This information is provided as a resource and does not constitute an endorsement for any group. It is the responsibility of the reader to decide whether a group is appropriate for his/her needs. For evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching this site.
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
National network. Founded 1980. Listing of state-by-state local support groups, brochures, information about anxiety disorders, local listing of healthcare professionals providing treatment for anxiety disorders and a national listing of clinical trials provided free. Promotes the prevention, treatment and cure of anxiety and stress-related disorders through advocacy, education, training, and research. Write: Anxiety Disorder Assoc. America 8730 Georgia Ave., Suite 600 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Voice: 240-485-1001 Fax: 240-485-1035 Website: http://www.adaa.org Verified: 1/10/2011
Agoraphobics In Motion (AIM)
National. 7 groups. Founded 1983. Support group that uses specific behavioral and cognitive techniques, along with an adapted 12-Steps of AA to help people recover from anxiety disorders. Relaxation techniques, small group discussions and field trips. Group development guidelines ($2.50). Informative facilitator's manual ($15). Subscription available for weekly handouts ($30/yr). Write: AIM 1719 Crooks Rd. Royal Oak, MI 48067 Voice: 248-547-0400 Website: http://www.aim-hq.org E-mail: anny@ameritech.net Verified: 3/25/2011
International Paruresis Association, Inc.
International network. 35 affiliated groups. Founded 1996. Provides emotional support and information for persons with paruresis (shy or bashful bladder). Supports research to develop effective treatments. Information, referrals, literature, phone support, workshops, conferences and advocacy. Assistance in starting similar groups. Write: International Paruresis Association P.O. Box 65111 Baltimore, MD 21209 Voice: 1-800-247-3864 or 410-367-1253 Fax: 410-367-1254 Website: http://www.paruresis.org E-mail: info@paruresis.org Verified: 10/19/2011
Abraham Low Self-Help Systems
International. 600 groups. Founded 1937. Mental health self-help organization that offers weekly peer-led meetings for people suffering from various emotional and mental conditions. Telephone and internet-based meetings also available. Principles parallel those found in cognitive-behavioral therapy. Teaches people how to change their thoughts, reactions and behaviors that cause their physical and emotional symptoms. Write: Abraham Low Self-Help Systems 105 W. Adams St., Suite 2940 Chicago, IL 60603 Voice: 1-866-221-0302 or 312-337-5661 Fax: 312-726-4446 Website: http://www.lowselfhelpsystems.org Verified: 10/20/2011
GROW in America
International. 143 groups. Founded in 1957. 12-Step. Group offers mutual help, friendship, community, education and leadership. Focuses on recovery and personal growth. Open to all including those with mental health issues, depression, anxiety, grief, fears, etc. Write: GROW in America P.O. Box 3667 Champaign, IL 61826 Voice: 1-888-741-4769 Website: http://www.growinamerica.org Verified: 9/2/2011
Panic Survivor
Online. Support group for persons who suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, hypochondria or any other form of anxiety. Focus is on recovery and day-to-day survival with a 'can do' attitude. Website: http://panicsurvivor.com Verified: 9/26/2011
The Panic Center
Online. Offers online scheduled support group meetings, forums and e-mail list. Addresses various types of anxiety, panic attacks and phobias. Website: http://www.paniccenter.net Verified: 9/26/2011
'Taking Flight' Fear of Flying Support
Online. Mutual support group created by and for fearful fliers for their own recovery. Message boards, information and a variety of resources. Website: http://www.takingflight.us Verified: 9/26/2011
Selective Mutism Foundation, Inc.
National. Founded 1992. Pioneering group that offers mutual support for professionals and parents of children with selective mutism or social phobia (a psychiatric anxiety disorder in which children are unable to speak in social situations). Includes social anxiety and shyness. Also open to adults who have or outgrew the disorder. Provides information and online support. Website contains research studies, printable brochures, literature and publications. Write: Selective Mutism Foundation, Inc. c/o Carolyn Miller P.O. Box 13133 Sissonville, WV 25360 Website: http://www.selectivemutismfoundation.org E-mail: carolyn@selectivemutismfoundation.org or sue@selectivemutismfoundaton.org Verified: 8/22/2011
The Selective Mutism Group
Online. Devoted to educating and promoting awareness about selective mutism and other related childhood anxiety disorders. Online support group for parents, teachers and professionals dealing with selective mutism. Individual or family membership $45/yr. Website: http://selectivemutism.org Verified: 9/26/2011
Dental Fear Central
Online. Founded 2004. Support for anyone with an extreme phobia of dentists or specific dental fears. Information for dental professionals and dental students with an interest in dental anxiety management. Various message boards, including one for mutual support and another to 'Share Your Success Story.' 'Ask the Dentist' section and information on coping with different fears associated with dentistry. Website: http://www.dentalfearcentral.org Verified: 9/26/2011
Gift From Within
Online. (WOMEN ONLY) Offers a one-on-one post-traumatic stress disorder e-mail/pen pal support network, where female victims of specific trauma can be matched with survivors of similar post-traumatic stress disorder. Audio-visual resources available. Website: http://www.giftfromwithin.org Verified: 9/26/2011
International Emetophobia Society Forums
Online. Support for people who suffer from emetophobia - an irrational fear of vomiting, to help them with their fears and share their experiences with others. Several topics are addressed, such as: social isolation, obsession, travel issues, morning sickness and eating strategies. Website: http://www.emetophobia.org Verified: 9/26/2011
Emotions Anonymous
International. 784 chapters. Founded 1971. Fellowship for people experiencing emotional difficulties. Uses the 12-step program sharing experiences, strengths and hopes in order to improve emotional health. Books and literature available to new and existing groups. Guidelines available to help start a similar group. Write: Emotions Anonymous P.O. Box 4245 St. Paul, MN 55104-0245 Voice: 651-647-9712 Fax: 651-647-1593 Website: http://www.emotionsanonymous.org E-mail: orders@emotionsanonymous.org Verified: 8/22/2011
Social Phobics Anonymous/Social Anxiety Anonymous
Online. Support, information, telephone conference and face-to-face groups for social anxiety disorder, social phobia, shyness problems, avoidant personality disorder, social agoraphobia and paruresis. Write: Social Phobics/Anxiety Anonymous Voice: 208-473-2465 Website: http://www.healsocialanxiety.com E-mail: healsocialanxiety@hotmail.com Verified: 9/26/2011
Social Anxiety Disorder and Social Phobia Support
Online. Support for those who suffer with social anxiety and social phobia. Website: http://www.socialanxietysupport.com Verified: 9/26/2011
Support4Hope
Online. Provides support of various mental health issues such as autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), ADD and ADHD and the problems that arise from them such as domestic abuse. Online forums and chat. Write: Support4Hope PO Box 184 Deer Lodge, TN 37726 Website: http://www.support4hope.com Verified: 10/17/2011
The above information was "verified" as correct on the date at the end of each entry. Since American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse's database is extensive but staffing is limited and information for these organizations can change, it is not possible to keep every entry in American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse database completely current and accurate. Please check with the organizations listed for the most current information.
For additional information on self-help groups, please visit the American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse web site at http://www.mentalhelp.net/selfhelp
If you find information that is not current, please contact American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse at: admin@selfhelpgroups.org
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