This page provides resources to people who are interested in how psychology affects us in everyday life. At Cottonwood Psychology we do not provide therapy, counseling or emergency support. We do not provide medical advice. If you need urgent help, please check the links in Mental Health Crisis Resources. There you will find contact information for organizations/helplines that can provide immediate assistance to you. We are not responsible for the assistance they provide you.
Navigation
Resources to Understand Psychology in Everyday Life
Educational Websites & Articles
If you would like to learn more about how psychology affects us in everyday life, please check these sources below.
Cottonwood Psychology
https://cottonwoodpsychology.com/blog/
In our blog we share psychology-related news and write articles about how psychology affects us in our everyday lives in simple terms.
American Psychological Association (APA) – Psychology Topics
https://www.apa.org/topics
Easily understandable explanations of psychological concepts and applications in real life.
Authorities on Psychology
These are global authorities on mental health.
World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health
Global leadership on mental health education and policy.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov
Comprehensive information about mental health conditions and treatments.
Podcasts & Audio
If you prefer listening to reading, give these podcasts a try.
The Psychology Podcast (Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman) – Conversations with experts about how psychological science applies to our lives.
Speaking of Psychology (APA) – Short episodes connecting research with real life situations.
Free Online Courses
If you would like to go more in-depth, consider listening to these courses.
Introduction to Psychology – Yale University (Open Yale Courses)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6A08EB4EEFF3E91F – Full lecture series from a top psychology professor.
The Science of Well-Being – Yale University (Coursera)
https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being – Evidence-based ways to improve happiness and habits.
Books for Everyday Psychology
Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman (decision-making and biases)
The Social Animal – Elliot Aronson (social psychology and relationships)
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol S. Dweck (growth mindset and achievements)
Research & Journals
If you are interested in more in-depth academic research, these resources provide access to academic studies and findings:
PubMed
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
A database of medical and psychological research articles, primarily focused on mental health, neuroscience, and behavior.
Google Scholar
https://scholar.google.com
A search engine for academic literature, including journal articles, theses, books, and conference papers.
ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net
A network for academics to share research papers and work together on psychological science topics.
Psychological Science
https://journals.sagepub.com/home/pss
A peer-reviewed journal covering news in psychological research.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10974679
Articles and studies on clinical practice, mental disorders, and treatment methods.
Online Mental Health Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek immediate help
Finding a Therapist or Counselor
Psychology Today’s Therapist Directory
https://www.psychologytoday.com
Search for licensed mental health professionals by location, specialty, and insurance coverage.
BetterHelp
https://www.betterhelp.com
An online therapy platform that connects you with licensed therapists for convenient, virtual therapy sessions.
TherapyDen
https://www.therapyden.com
A directory of licensed therapists with a focus on inclusive, affirming, and culturally competent therapy practices.
Country Specific Mental Health Crisis Resources
United States
Community Support & Peer Networks
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): https://www.nami.org
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): https://www.dbsalliance.org
Al-Anon & Alateen (for families affected by addiction): https://al-anon.org
Specialized Support
SAMHSA National Helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/
RAINN National Hotline: https://www.rainn.org
USA (Orange County Specific)
County & Government Services
OC Health Care Agency – Behavioral Health Services: https://www.ochealthinfo.com/bhs
OC Children & Youth Behavioral Health: https://www.ochealthinfo.com/oclinks
Therapy & Counseling
Open Path Collective (search for affordable therapists in OC): https://openpathcollective.org
Psychology Today Therapist Finder (filter for Orange County): https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
Community Support & Peer Groups
NAMI Orange County: https://www.namioc.org
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance – OC: https://dbsalliance.org
Al-Anon & Alateen OC (for families affected by addiction): https://www.ocalanon.org
Mental Health Association of Orange County: https://www.mhaoc.org
Youth & School Services
Western Youth Services: https://www.westernyouthservices.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast – Youth Support: https://www.boysandgirlsclub.com
Specialized Mental Health Services
OC Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance – Mental Health: https://ocapica.org/
LGBT Center OC – Counseling: https://www.lgbtqcenteroc.org/
MIND OC / Be Well OC (integrated mental health care): https://bewelloc.org
Canada
Crisis & Immediate Help
Hope for Wellness Help Line (for Indigenous peoples): online chat at https://www.hopeforwellness.ca
Community Support & Peer Networks
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): https://cmha.ca
Mood Disorders Society of Canada: https://mdsc.ca
United Kingdom
Crisis & Immediate Help
Samaritans UK: https://www.samaritans.org
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): https://www.thecalmzone.net
Mind UK Infoline: https://www.mind.org.uk
Community Support & Peer Networks
Rethink Mental Illness: https://www.rethink.org
Anxiety UK: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Alcoholics Anonymous UK: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Specialized Support
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline: https://switchboard.lgbt
Papyrus HOPELINE247 (young people): https://www.papyrus-uk.org
Australia
Community Support & Peer Networks
SANE Australia: https://www.sane.org
Black Dog Institute: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
Alcohol and Drug Foundation: https://adf.org.au
New Zealand
Community Support & Peer Networks
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand: https://mentalhealth.org.nz
Anxiety New Zealand Trust: https://anxiety.org.nz
Ireland
Community Support & Peer Networks
Shine Mental Health: https://www.shine.ie
Alcoholics Anonymous Ireland: https://www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie
India
Specialized Support
Sangath Mental Health NGO: https://sangath.in
Germany
Community Support & Peer Networks
Deutsche Depressionshilfe: https://www.deutsche-depressionshilfe.de
Selbsthilfe.de: https://www.selbsthilfe.de
Anonyme Alkoholiker Deutschland: https://www.anonyme-alkoholiker.de
Specialized Support
LSVD – Lesbian and Gay Association Germany: https://www.lsvd.de
Weisser Ring (victim support): https://weisser-ring.de
France
Community Support & Peer Networks
France Dépression: https://francedepression.fr
Fédération Addiction: https://www.federationaddiction.fr
Alcooliques Anonymes France: https://www.alcooliques-anonymes.fr
Specialized Support
SOS Homophobie: https://www.sos-homophobie.org
En Avant Toute(s) (youth & relationship support): https://enavanttoutes.fr
Italy
Community Support & Peer Networks
Alcolisti Anonimi Italia: https://www.alcolistianonimiitalia.it
Specialized Support
Arcigay: https://www.arcigay.it
Telefono Rosa (violence support): https://www.telefonorosa.it
Spain
Community Support & Peer Networks
Asociación Española de Ayuda Mutua contra la Fobia Social y Trastornos de Ansiedad: https://www.fobiasocial.net
Confederación SALUD MENTAL España: https://consaludmental.org
Alcohólicos Anónimos España: https://www.alcoholicos-anonimos.org
Specialized Support
Fundación ANAR: https://www.anar.org
Japan
Community Support & Peer Networks
Alcoholics Anonymous Japan: https://aajapan.org
Specialized Support
Tokyo English Lifeline LGBTQ+ Services: https://telljp.com/lgbtq
China
Community Support & Peer Networks
Specialized Support
PFLAG China: http://www.pflag.org.cn
Beijing LGBT Center: http://www.bjlgbtcenter.org.cn
Brazil
Community Support & Peer Networks
Associação Brasileira de Psiquiatria: https://www.abp.org.br
Rede Feminista de Saúde: https://www.redesaude.org.br
Alcoólicos Anônimos Brasil: https://www.aa.org.br
Specialized Support
Grupo Dignidade: https://grupodignidade.org.br
ABGLT – Associação Brasileira de Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais, Travestis, Transexuais e Intersexos: https://abglt.org.br
Mexico
Community Support & Peer Networks
Alcohólicos Anónimos México: https://www.aamexico.org.mx
Specialized Support
South Africa
Community Support & Peer Networks
Mental Health Information Centre of Southern Africa: https://www.mentalhealthsa.org.za
SA Federation for Mental Health: https://www.safmh.org
Alcoholics Anonymous South Africa: https://www.aasouthafrica.org.za
Specialized Support
Singapore
Community Support & Peer Networks
Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH): https://www.samhealth.org.sg
Specialized Support
Oogachaga: https://www.oogachaga.com
The T Project: https://thetprojectsg.org
United Arab Emirates
Community Support & Peer Networks
Al Jalila Foundation Mental Health Program: https://www.aljalilafoundation.ae
Alcoholics Anonymous UAE: https://www.aauae.net
Specialized Support
Pride of Arabia LGBTQ Support (informal online network): Contact via discreet community groups
Dubai Foundation for Women & Children: https://www.dfwac.ae
Argentina
Community Support & Peer Networks
Asociación Argentina de Salud Mental: https://www.aasm.org.ar
Alcohólicos Anónimos Argentina: https://www.aa.org.ar
Specialized Support
Federación Argentina LGBT: https://www.lgbt.org.ar
Chile
Community Support & Peer Networks
Alcohólicos Anónimos Chile: https://www.aachile.cl
Specialized Support
Movilh – Movimiento de Integración y Liberación Homosexual: https://www.movilh.cl
Fundación Todo Mejora: https://www.todomejora.org
Colombia
Community Support & Peer Networks
Red Colombiana de Personas con Enfermedad Mental: https://www.redcem.org
Specialized Support
Colombia Diversa: https://colombiadiversa.org
Philippines
Community Support & Peer Networks
Philippine Mental Health Association: https://pmha.org.ph
Mental Health PH: https://mentalhealthph.org
Alcoholics Anonymous Philippines: https://www.aaphilippines.org
Specialized Support
UP Babaylan: https://www.facebook.com/upbabaylan
Thailand
Community Support & Peer Networks
Alcoholics Anonymous Thailand: https://www.aathailand.org
Specialized Support
Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand: https://www.rsat.info
APCOM Foundation: https://www.apcom.org
Malaysia
Community Support & Peer Networks
Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association (MIASA): https://miasa.org.my
Malaysian Mental Health Association: https://mmha.org.my
Specialized Support
Justice for Sisters: https://justiceforsisters.wordpress.com
Netherlands
Community Support & Peer Networks
MIND Korrelatie: https://mindkorrelatie.nl
Stichting MIND: https://mindplatform.nl
Anonieme Alcoholisten Nederland: https://www.aa-netherlands.org
Specialized Support
COC Nederland: https://www.coc.nl
Veilig Thuis (domestic violence and abuse helpline): https://veiligthuis.nl
Sweden
Community Support & Peer Networks
Hjärnkoll: https://www.hjarnkoll.se
Sveriges Psykologförbund: https://www.psykologforbundet.se
Anonyma Alkoholister Sverige: https://www.aa.se
Specialized Support
RFSL – The Swedish Federation for LGBTQ Rights: https://www.rfsl.se
Switzerland
Community Support & Peer Networks
Pro Mente Sana: https://www.promentesana.ch
Swiss Mental Health Network: https://www.ensa.swiss
Specialized Support
Pink Cross: https://www.pinkcross.ch
Terre des Femmes Schweiz: https://www.terre-des-femmes.ch
Poland
Community Support & Peer Networks
Fundacja Itaka: https://www.itaka.org.pl
Fundacja eFkropka: https://ef.org.pl
Anonimowi Alkoholicy Polska: https://www.aa.org.pl
Specialized Support
Kampania Przeciw Homofobii: https://kph.org.pl
Lambda Warszawa: https://lambdawarszawa.org
South Korea
Community Support & Peer Networks
Specialized Support
Chingusai – Korean Gay Men’s Human Rights Group: https://chingusai.net
DDing Dong LGBTQ Youth Crisis Support Center: https://ddingdong.kr
Hong Kong
Community Support & Peer Networks
Mind Hong Kong: https://www.mind.org.hk
Mental Health Association of Hong Kong: https://mhahk.org.hk
Alcoholics Anonymous Hong Kong: https://www.aa-hk.org
Specialized Support
Rainbow of Hong Kong: https://www.rainbowhk.org
Pink Alliance: https://pinkalliance.hk
Indonesia
Community Support & Peer Networks
Yayasan Pulih: https://www.pulih.org
Into The Light Indonesia: https://www.intothelightid.org
Alcoholics Anonymous Indonesia: https://aa-indonesia.org
Specialized Support
Arus Pelangi: https://www.aruspelangi.org
Suara Kita: https://www.suarakita.org
Vietnam
Community Support & Peer Networks
Research and Training Center for Community Development: http://rtccd.org.vn
Alcoholics Anonymous Vietnam: https://www.aavietnam.org
Specialized Support
Russia
Community Support & Peer Networks
Russian Society of Psychiatrists: https://psychiatr.ru
Mental Health Russia Foundation: https://mental-health-russia.ru
Specialized Support
Russian LGBT Network: https://lgbtnet.org
Coming Out St. Petersburg: https://comingoutspb.com
Ukraine
Specialized Support
KyivPride: https://kyivpride.org
Insight Public Organization: https://insight-ukraine.org
Saudi Arabia
Specialized Support
Ehsan Charity Mental Health Program: https://ehsan.sa
Egypt
Community Support & Peer Networks
Alcoholics Anonymous Egypt: https://aaegypt.com
Specialized Support
Bedayaa Organization: https://bedayaa.org
Mesahat Foundation: https://mesahatfoundation.org
Norway
Community Support & Peer Networks
Rådet for Psykisk Helse: https://psykiskhelse.no
Landsforeningen for Pårørende innen Psykisk helse (LPP): https://www.lpp.no
Specialized Support
FRI – Foreningen for kjønns- og seksualitetsmangfold: https://www.foreningenfri.no
Krisesentersekretariatet: https://www.krisesenter.com
Denmark
Community Support & Peer Networks
Sind – Landsforeningen for psykisk sundhed: https://www.sind.dk
Bedre Psykiatri: https://www.bedrepsykiatri.dk
Anonyme Alkoholikere Danmark: https://www.anonyme-alkoholikere.dk
Specialized Support
LGBT+ Danmark: https://www.lgbt.dk
Lev Uden Vold: https://www.levudenvold.dk
Finland
Community Support & Peer Networks
Suomen Mielenterveysseura: https://mieli.fi
A-klinikkasäätiö: https://www.a-klinikka.fi
Anonyymit Alkoholistit Suomi: https://www.aa.fi
Specialized Support
Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland: https://www.seta.fi
Naisten Linja (violence support): https://www.naistenlinja.fi
Belgium
Community Support & Peer Networks
Specialized Support
Çavaria: https://www.cavaria.be
SOS Viol: https://www.sosviol.be
Austria
Community Support & Peer Networks
HPE Österreich: https://www.hpe.at
Pro Mente Austria: https://www.promenteaustria.at
Anonyme Alkoholiker Österreich: https://www.anonyme-alkoholiker.at
Specialized Support
HOSI Wien: https://www.hosiwien.at
Gewaltschutzzentrum Österreich: https://www.gewaltschutzzentrum.at
Please remember: Cottonwood Psychology does not provide therapy or support. We do not provide medical advice.
How We Curate Our Resources
The inclusion of the resources does not mean endorsement and we are not responsible for the assistance that they provide you. We do our best to keep this list credible, accessible and inclusive. Always consult professionals.
Suggest a Resource
Did we make a mistake or miss a resource? Please contact us.
[email protected]