www.aacc.net

This site provides detailed information about the AACC, how to join, and what is involved in being a member (a list of demographics of the members is included). Benefits of membership are included (free newsletters and counsel tapes, reduced fees for registration at conferences, and liability insurance for practicum and internships are just a few). A Counseling Resource Catalog is available with reduced prices for members on many counseling books and materials. This organization and website is geared toward professionals, religious leaders, and lay counselors, and supplies information that promotes the "highest standard of counselor training, facilitates integration of counseling principles and biblical theology, and encourages excellence in counseling worldwide.

The American Psychiatric Association is a medical specialty society recognized world-wide. Its 40,500 U.S. and international physicians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses and substance use disorders." Goals include advocating for the patients and the profession; supporting education, training, and career development; defining and supporting professional values; and enhancing the scientific basis of psychiatric care. This website provides a wealth of information regarding medical issues, mental health, and resources available to the public or professional. There are numerous articles and updates on the latest research and medical information. A few of the topics include: how to set up an online practice, Disaster Psychiatry, a media advisory on Borderline Personality Disorder, AID's Resource Center, Social Anxiety Disorder Awareness, and links to healthindex.org (consumer information from medical specialties).

www.apa.org

The information in this site is geared towards three different groups: 1) psychologists, educators, and professionals; 2) the public; and 3) students.

In the first section, pertaining mainly to professionals there is information regarding membership, benefits, how to join, insurance, annual meetings and conferences, ethics (principles and code of conduct), employment services, and the credential process through the APA College of Professional Psychology. There are also helpful tools including a section on books and journals, an encyclopedia of psychology, and access to the PsychINFO Abstract database for a small fee. For the public, the site includes a list of referrals. Students have available to them employment opportunities, resources, books, and other tools. Each section provides education and research including up-to-date news on important research findings.

www.aacap.org

This site exists to provide assistance to, "parents and families in understanding developmental, behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders affecting children and adolescents". Incorporated are articles on current research and news in the media (gun control, Surgeon General's report on mental health, children and depression, Elian Gonzalez, etc.). Available is help in locating a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist as well as up-to-date information on child and adolescent development processes and issues. Other topics of interest include: clinical practice, journals and publications, research, meetings, award opportunities, training, employment, legislation, and links to other professional organizations.

www.nmha.org

NMHA is the "oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness." Their website is one which, along with their goal as an organization, "works to improve the mental health of all Americans." NMHA provides assistance in locating affiliates of NMHA in your community and state. A portion of the website contains newsworthy material such as, articles pertaining to mental health, legislative alerts (presidential budget, laws and bills to be passed, etc.), and an information site with numbers, fact sheets, pamphlets, books and newsletters, and program and advocacy resources. Other points of interest include a depression screening and information on depression, resources and job listings, on-line chat (coming soon), training and education opportunities, and information on their discussion boards and how to become involved.