Links and Resources
The web is full of information on virtually every mental health topic. But just how good is that information? In our experience, the source of medical and scientific information is crucial, and even the best sources may contain serious errors. Having said this, we believe it is prudent to start one's information gathering through reputable, professional websites rather than simply performing a random web-based search on a mental health topic. Below is a list of some trusted sites that, generally speaking, provide up-to-date information on many topics in mental health*.
*Dr. Tim is a member in good standing of many of these organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
American Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association, or APA, was founded in 1844 and represents some 33,000 physicians around the world. The voice of the APA can be heard through its own publishing house, American Psychiatric Publishing, through which it publishes books on virtually every aspect of mental health. The APA also publishes the American Journal of Psychiatry, which is often referred to as the green journal (any guesses why?) Through special publications know as Amicus briefs, the voice of the APA can even been heard in such high places as the U.S. Supreme Court, where it provides written information directly to the justices.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or AACAP, was founded in 1954 and represents approximately 8,000 members worldwide. Although AACAP provides an unparalleled host of resources for pediatricians, family doctors, psychiatric physicians and other mental health providers, it does not stop there. The organization reaches out and provides useful information to teachers, parents, and even government policy makers. AACAP publishes the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, often referred to simply as the "Orange Journal". One of my favorite resources for parents is AACAP's Facts for Families, which has a printable brochure of useful information on over 100 special topics in child and adolescent psychiatry.
American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, or AAPL (pronounced "apple"), was founded in 1969 and provides information and resources to forensic psychiatrists, legal professionals and others alike. It has the smallest number of members of the organizations mentioned thus far, or approximately 1,500 members worldwide. The reason for this is that there are a very limited number of forensic psychiatry training programs in the United States and Canada.
However small the organization's membership might be, it yields great influence through its work with the legal system as well as its publication of the esteemed Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, which has published several of Dr. Tim's articles and commentaries. Forensic psychiatrists by nature tend to be well spoken as they frequently must testify in court. Their well-spoken nature is especially adaptable to television appearances, which may be why many famous psychiatrists on national television are in fact trained forensic psychiatrists.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, was founded in 1979 and is a source of information and support for literally millions of people affected by mental illness. NAMI estimates that mental illness directly afflicts nearly 60 million Americans every year, and that mental illness directly or indirectly affects 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 10 children in the U.S. NAMI provides helpful resources not only for those directly afflicted by mental illness, but for family members and friends of mentally ill individuals as well. NAMI highlights their key objectives as:
- Support
- Education
- Awareness
- Advocacy
- Research
Support is crucial when dealing with a mentally ill loved one, and NAMI has both a national presence as well as local chapters that can assist families with these objectives in mind.
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, or ABPN, was founded in 1934 and grants board certifications to physicians in psychiatry, neurology, and the related sub-specialties. Sub-specialties of these medical fields include child neurology, child and adolescent psychiatry, addiction medicine, forensic psychiatry and brain injury medicine, to name a few.
Contrary to popular belief, physicians are not required to be board certified in psychiatry, neurology or the related sub-specialties in order to practice them. Since board certification means a physician has met the competency standards set forth by the ABPN, parents or loved ones may wish to know how to find out if a physician is board certified and in what areas. Click here to perform a search for physicians of a certain specialty or sub-specialty, or to find out if a physician you are researching has achieved board certification status (and in which field(s) of specialization) with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
****Please note - when performing a search on the ABPN website, typing in shortened names or nicknames do not always produce accurate results. For example, one must put in the name "Timothy Houchin" to prove that Dr. Tim is in fact triple board certified!****
Stop Bullying Campaign
Bullying is a significant problem in the United States and often has significant mental health consequences. Studies have shown that bullied children frequently suffer long-lasting, detrimental psychological effects. Unfortunately, not all school systems are on board with a plan to stop bullying before it starts. I have therefore included a link to the U.S. government's anti-bullying website, which provides extensive information on the problem of bullying in America and how parents, caregivers and schools can put an end to it.
