Since there’s not (yet) a specific program in global mental health journalism, this is intended more as a guide than a specific set of steps. If you already report on global mental health, please send examples of your work to add to this archive. And consider becoming a mentor to help other journalists begin to write more on global mental health.

Compiled by Cheryl Harris Sharman

Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ) ($60) Has listserv where you can ask other journalists for the latest information on a given topic &/or interview sources (including contact information). Has a reporting guide, Covering Health in a Multicultural Society, as well as a new e-course and certificate program in the same. Also regular newsletters, an annual conference, a conference on Urban Health reporting in New York City, and many other benefits of membership.

South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA) ($20 in N.America, $40 beyond) Has information, networking opportunities, journalism awards, and fellowships for journalists of South Asian origin and journalists interested in South Asia or the South Asian Diaspora

AHCJ member and Dart fellow Karen Brown’s “Trauma and Recovery: A Cambodian Refugee Experience,” about long-term effects of trauma on Cambodian survivors of the Khmer Rouge, and the cultural barriers to getting them help. It’s available as an mp3 audio file or a documentary.

AHCJ member Phyllis Vine edits www.MIWatch.org, a news aggregator about mental illness, with a global reach

AHCJ member Maryn McKenna’s pieces on the Indian Ocean tsunami for the Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail’s mental health project (2008) includes stories, documentaries, chats, contacts.

*Improving Mental-Health Care in Costa Rica (requires registration), The Lancet, Vol. 366, Issue 9480, July 9, 2005, Click here to download the PDF (220K)

*The Problem with Drinking, Perspectives in Health, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2005

Read stories on mental health generally

AHCJ member Maryn McKenna’s piece on Katrina.

Research particular aspects of mental health

PubMed Central A database of what research has been published on your topic. Start here.

MedlinePlus

Read more information via these organizations (get on their mailing lists!)

Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma Has lots of resources online. Also heavily involved in training journalists about the mental health aspects of their work. Large presence in Europe and Australia. Allied with the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (see below).

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Has memberships open to journalists, online resources. Even has contact information for international trauma expert sources: e-mail Deanna Marchetti at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 847-480-9028.

National Institute of Mental Health Part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services. NIMH funds most of the research on mental health, and archives most of the findings. Publications are free, available in either HTML or pdf format, and also available in Spanish. Useful statistics.

National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression Funds excellent research projects, which are a good source of story ideas and pegs. Especially great international scope, funding projects in 27 countries and the US. Story idea: Profile a recipient of a NARSAD Young Investigator Grant. Website has loads of useful information. They also connect reporters to expert sources: e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 516-829-0091, ext. 236.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Funds excellent treatment and support projects, which are a good source of story ideas and pegs. Maintains the National Mental Health Information Center, which is also available in Spanish, and includes this list of Mental Health Links - Culture and Ethnicity.

Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Provides training for providers in post-conflict countries, among other outstanding projects in over 70 countries. In the US, contact Michael Goldfarb, by e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , work phone: 212-763-5783, or mobile: 917-353-5408.  For other countries, go to the main website, scroll to the very bottom of the home page, select a country, go to that website, find the tab for the media.

World Fellowship for Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders Support and information for those with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses – and their families. Website in English, Spanish and French. Online materials also available in Russian and Persian. Based in Toronto.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Support and information for those with mental illness – and their families – in the US. Over 1000 local affiliates. Has support groups, Helpline, and advocacy avenues. Website also in Spanish.

Pan American Health Organization The Latin-American and Caribbean arm of the World Health Organization. Has Perspectives in Health magazine, which is a great market for freelancers.

Kaiser Family Foundation Has information, fellowships (see below), internships (see below). See especially the links on reporting on Global Health and HIV/AIDS.

Dana Foundation Has News Releases section for what’s going on with scientists in their brain alliance, which can spark story ideas and, through them, lead directly to quick contact information. Also has Neuroscience Resource Service for quick access to top neuroscience sources. And Brain Web for lots of links about specific brain diseases and disorders (e.g., depression, addiction, schizophrenia). Also an e-mail address for help with story ideas, sources, or brain-related information: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mental Health America Has information, crisis hotline, and avenues for advocacy. Also a fellowship (see below).

Apply for fellowships and awards

Nieman Foundation Global Health Reporting Fellowships

Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism

Mental Health America Media Awards

Kaiser Foundation Media Internships for those interested in reporting on health

Columbia University Graduate Program in Narrative Medicine

New York University Science and Environmental Reporting

Emerson College (via Tufts University School of Medicine) master’s

Boston University master’s in science and medical journalism

Georgetown University master’s in journalism classes in global health

University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Minnesota master’s in health journalism

Colorado State University master’s concentrating in health communications

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill master’s in medical journalism

University of Kentucky certificate in health communication

University of Florida master’s in science and health communications