Millions of people experience mental health challenges. According to the World Health Organization, 970 million people lived with a mental disorder in 2019. Anxiety and depression are the most common, but many conditions affect a person’s life. People with mental health challenges are more likely to die by suicide or have their human rights violated. In this article, we’ll explore 15 trusted charities advocating for mental health.
Table of Contents
| # | Organization Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | National Alliance on Mental Illness |
| 2 | StrongMinds |
| 3 | Rethink Mental Illness |
| 4 | Active Minds |
| 5 | Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance |
| 6 | European Alliance Against Depression |
| 7 | Mental Health Innovations |
| 8 | Trans Lifeline |
| 9 | The Black Dog Institute |
| 10 | Mental Health Initiative |
| 11 | CandleX |
| 12 | Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation |
| 13 | The Banyan |
| 14 | The Center for Victims of Torture |
| 15 | The Syrian American Medical Society |
#1. National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the United States’ largest grassroots mental health group. Since 1979, the organization has focused on education, support, advocacy and leadership. NAMI includes 700+ state organizations and affiliates. Policy priorities include accessible, affordable and comprehensive healthcare, evidence-based research, an end to harmful practices and more. Its programs include the NAMI HelpLine, which offers one-on-one support and resources. The Helpline can be accessed Monday-Friday through call, text or chat from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. For emergencies, the 988 crisis service is available 24/7.
To make a one-time or monthly recurring donation, click on the website’s “Donate” button.
#2. StrongMinds
StrongMinds is an organization that treats depression in women and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Uganda and Zambia. It uses free group therapy led by community counselors. In their groups, members find support, community and practical tools over 6-10 sessions. According to the StrongMinds website, 80% of the women treated remain free from depression six months after therapy ends. Founded in 2013, StrongMinds is a social enterprise, but it’s also classified as an NGO and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Visit the StrongMinds website to make a one-time or monthly donation.
#3. Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness is a British charity that aims to improve the lives of people affected by mental illness. It offers online mental health information, a carers service and an advice service, where they’ve advised thousands on issues like living with a mental illness and medication, In 2022, 22,000 people received help. The charity has also helped over 5,500 people with mental illness navigate life before, during and after time in prison. Its policy priorities include social security, housing, patient safety, social care and the Mental Health Act.
If you want to donate to Rethink Mental Illness, visit their website’s donation page.
#4. Active Minds
When Alison Malmon was a junior in college, her older brother took his own life. Malmon founded a student group in his honor. The group grew into Active Minds, which focuses on young adults and mental health. It has a presence on 1000+ American campuses and communities. More than 1.9 million people are reached through campaigns, events, advocacy and more. Its programs include the National Chapter Network, an award-winning suicide prevention display, K-12 initiatives and workforce development.
Active Minds accepts one-time and monthly donations through its website portal.
#5. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a leading American organization focused on mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. The nonprofit offers peer-based support and resources through the internet, local support groups, video calls and printed materials. The DBSA has 450 support groups across the United States. Its resources discuss treatment options, finding mental healthcare, communicating with doctors, suicide prevention and more.
You can support DBSA’s mission by sending a one-time or monthly donation.
#6. European Alliance Against Depression
The European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) is a group of (at the time of writing) 20 national chapters and 12 associate members in Europe, Australia, Canada and South America. Its goal is to improve the care and treatment of people with depressive disorders and suicidal behavior. Priorities include raising public awareness, supporting families, supporting young researchers and researching interventions on depression and suicide prevention. EAAD also runs www.ifightdepression.com, an initiative that helps people identify and manage depression. It has resources for young people, friends and family of those affected by depression, healthcare professionals, community professionals and workplace professionals.
Information on donations can be found on EAAD’s website.
#7. Mental Health Innovations
Mental Health Innovations is a UK-based charity using digital tools, analysis and clinical experts to support those with mental health challenges. Established in 2017, it’s fairly new to the charity space. It has 2,300 trained volunteers and 150 staff members based in the UK and New Zealand. Its texting program, Shout, is the UK’s first free, confidential 24/7 text messaging mental health support service. At the time of writing, the charity has hosted 2m text conversations with 675,000 texters.
Mental Health Innovations accepts donations through Enthuse.
#8. Trans Lifeline
The Trans Lifeline is a hotline and micro grants nonprofit. It offers emotional and financial support to trans people. It’s the first transgender crisis hotline in the United States and Canada, so anyone who calls connects to another trans person. The group has trained 600+ operators and answered 100,000 calls. It has given micro grants for name changes and incarcerated trans folks, although, at the time of writing, the program paused for financial reasons.
To donate to the Trans Lifeline, click on the “Donate” button on the nonprofit’s website.
#9. The Black Dog Institute
Established in 1985, the Black Dog Institute is an Australian nonprofit medical research institute focused on mental health. It’s affiliated with UNSW Sydney, but it’s independent. It works in areas like suicide prevention, youth mental health, digital innovation, lived experience and workplace mental health. Its policy priorities include digital mental health services, mental health system reform, workplace mental health and more. Through its clinical services, the Black Dog Institute also works with patients and health professionals.
To donate to the Black Dog Institute, visit the nonprofit’s donation page.
#10. Mental Health Initiative
Founded in 2022, the American charity Mental Health Initiative (MHI) supports individuals and families navigating severe mental illness. It aims to make treatment more accessible and affordable. It also provides support and education. Through its grant program, MHI helps cover the cost of treatment. It also partners with treatment centers to create scholarships.
To donate to the Mental Health Initiative’s work, check out their donation page.
#11. CandleX
CandleX is a Chinese nonprofit that offers mental health support services to local and international communities. Founded in 2015 in Beijing, the charity wants to increase awareness of mental health, reduce the stigma of mental illness and provide social support for anyone experiencing mental health struggles. Since 2015, the charity has offered English-speaking programs to teenagers and adults, including expats and Chinese nationals. Since 2021, CandleX has also offered psychoeducation to Chinese-speaking educators and parents with teenagers studying and living (or planning to live) overseas.
To learn more about the charity’s Beijing and remote volunteer opportunities, visit the “Join Us” tab on their website.
#12. Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
Taraji P. Henson and Tracie Jade Jenkins founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF) in 2018 in honor of Henson’s father. The American charity’s goal is to improve the mental health of Black communities through resources, programs and education. Since its founding, the organization has increased participation in schools, created a Wellness Wednesday initiative in historically black colleges and universities and increased its mental wellness programs. It also has a scholarship program for aspiring Black mental health professionals.
You can donate to a specific foundation program (like the mental wellness support program or youth hangout program) through the BLHF’s portal.
#13. The Banyan
The Banyan is a mental health charity based in India. According to its website, 83% of those living with mental illness in India can’t access good mental healthcare. Since its founding in 1993, The Banyan has worked to increase access to person-centered care for those experiencing poverty and homelessness. Its programs include Emergency Care and Recovery Centres, a Centre for Mental Health and Inclusive Development, and a Centre for Social Needs Livelihood. Since 2007, the Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health has worked in research, education, training and advocacy.
Donations to the Banyan can be made through its website.
#14. The Center for Victims of Torture
Established in 1985, the Center for Victims of Torture helps individuals, families and communities affected by torture. It was the United States’ first rehabilitative care center for survivors. The Center uses a holistic approach that includes physical and psychological treatment, group counseling, social services, community and more. It also builds capacity for local mental health care staff through training and assistance, so counselors can help survivors in their own countries. The nonprofit is involved in policy and advocacy, as well. Its website hosts resources for survivors of torture, healing professionals and human rights defenders.
One-time and monthly donations can be made through the Center for Victims of Torture website.
#15. The Syrian American Medical Society
The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) is a medical relief organization working in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and other countries. As part of its mission, it provides mental health and psychological programs. Activities include therapy for individuals with violence-related trauma, anxiety, PTSD and depression, as well as workshops and group support, specialized case management and psychosocial support for children and youth. SAMS also advocates for an end to the siege in Syria, support for Syrian refugees and the protection of healthcare systems in Syria.
To donate to the Syrian American Medical Society, visit the charity’s donation page.