Community Conversations About Mental Health

Community Conversations Toolkit

The Toolkit for Community Conversations About Mental Health contains briefs, guides, and other resources designed to help people promote mental health and access to treatment and recovery services within their communities.

• The Discussion Guide for Community Conversations About Mental Health - 2013 (also available in Spanish) offers facilitators a framework for holding a successful and productive one-day community dialogue. It includes discussion questions, process suggestions, and follow-up steps for participants.
• The Information Brief for Community Conversations About Mental Health - 2013 (also available in Spanish) provides data and other facts about the promotion of mental health and prevention of mental health disorders. It covers early identification, crisis response, and treatment and recovery services.
• The Mental Health in My Community - 2013 (also available in Spanish) information graphic has data and other facts about mental health in the United States, crisis response, and support for treatment and recovery.
• The Planning Guide for Community Conversations About Mental Health - 2013 (also available in Spanish) provides information for planning conversations, recruiting and training facilitators, recruiting conversation participants, and identifying steps participants can take to raise awareness about mental health.

Additional Resources for Community Leaders

Everyone Can Play a Role in the Conversation about Mental Health: Fact Sheet for Faith-Based Communities - 2014
Faith and community leaders can play a significant role in helping to educate individuals and families about mental health. This fact sheet can help communities and congregations raise awareness about mental health issues and emphasize the importance of people to seek help when needed. This fact sheet can be used as a bulletin insert or announcement to faith communities about the importance of mental health issues in our communities.

Information for Faith-Based and Community Leaders - 2014
Increasing awareness of mental health issues and making it easier for people to seek help will take partners working together. Faith and community leaders can play a significant role in helping to educate individuals and families about mental health. These talking points can help faith leaders develop messages for their congregations and communities about the importance of mental health.

Mayors' Resource Guide on Behavioral Health Issues - 2014
Provides valuable information to help mayors ensure that everyone in their community has the best chance to succeed by addressing the behavioral health needs of their communities. Includes information about how good behavioral health benefits communities, and how to engage your community in a conversation about behavioral health.