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 Assoc. 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: ssoifer@ssw.umaryland.edu Verified: 10/14/2008
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: 10/22/2009
National network. 197 groups. Founded 1980. Promotes the diagnosis and treatment of all anxiety and related disorders including obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. 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 trails provided free. 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: 10/13/2008
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: Agoraphobics in Motion 1719 Crooks Royal Oak, MI 48067-1306 Voice: 248-547-0400 Website: http://www.aim-hq.org E-mail: anny@ameritech.net Verified: 10/14/2008
International. 600 groups. Founded 1937. Mental health self-help organization that offers weekly group 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: Recovery International 105 W. Adams St., Suite 2940 Chicago, IL 60603- Voice: 312-337-5661 Fax: 312-726-4446 Website: http://www.recovery-inc.org Verified: 6/17/2009
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 E-mail: growil@sbcglobal.net Verified: 10/13/2008
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: 10/13/2009
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: 10/22/2009
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: 10/22/2009
International. 8 groups. 12-Step. Both face-to-face and telephone support groups that provides support for people who suffer from social phobia or social anxiety. Assists others in starting local groups. Meeting information available on website. Voice: 720-882-8976 Website: http://www.healsocialanxiety.com E-mail: healsocialanxiety@hotmail.com Verified: 10/14/2008
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 DSM revisions, research studies, printable brochures, literature and publications. Write: Selective Mutism Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 13133 Sissonville, WV 25360 Website: http://www.selectivemutismfoundation.org E-mail: carolyn@selectivemutismfoundation.org Verified: 10/20/2009
Online. Devoted to educating and promoting awareness on selective mutism and other related childhood anxiety disorders. Online support group for parents, teachers and professionals dealing with selective mutism. Website: http://selectivemutism.org Verified: 10/22/2008
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 PTSD. Audio-visual resources available. Website: http://www.giftfromwithin.org Verified: 10/13/2009
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: 4/29/2009
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