Mental and Social Health Support Resources for People Recovering from Musculoskeletal Trauma
- Trauma Survivors Network Support Groups – (Free) A community for survivors and their families to connect and rebuild after a traumatic physical injury. Offers national and local support groups.
- National Alliance on Mental Health Connection – (Free) A peer-led support group for adults living with mental health conditions. Offers a supportive environment where participants can share experiences, receive encouragement, and develop coping strategies. Virtual and in-person.
- Pain Connection National Support Groups for Chronic Pain – (Free) Nationwide, virtual support groups for individuals living with chronic pain to connect with others. Has a daily session and meetings throughout the month.
- Pain Connection Specialized Chronic Pain Support Groups – (Free) Support groups for specific groups with unique challenges and needs within the chronic pain community. Groups include military, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, teens, etc.
- Pain Connection Location-Based Support Group Meetings – (Free) Virtual support groups for those with chronic pain specific to your state/region.
- Amputee Coalition Virtual Support Group Meetings – (Free) Weekly virtual support group for individuals with limb loss or limb differences and families from the Amputee Coalition. Also has specific groups for BIPOC, caregivers, and young adults.
- Amputee Coalition Support Group Network – (Free) A nationwide network of over 400 support groups for those with limb loss or limb differences. Can visualize groups on a map to see local resources.
- Amputee Coalition Community – (Free) An online community for individuals with limb loss and difference to connect and access resources. Provides forums, discussion groups, and peer support as a virtual space to engage with each other.
- Move United - (Free/Paid) Believes that sport has the ability to push what’s possible for those with disabilities. Provides year-round sports and recreation opportunities, offering 70+ adaptive sports through their national network of 200+ community member organizations.
- Chronic Pain Anonymous - (Free) In-person, online, and phone support groups and meetings for people with chronic pain and chronic illness.
- r/PTSD- (Free) PTSD subreddit w over 75,000 members of large peer community- public forum that allows platform to share stories, find resources and get judgment-free support
- MyPTSD- (Free) Forum that connects survivors and supporters w PTSD news and discussion of function in day-to-day life, treatment, etc.
- 7 Cups – (Paid) Confidential online therapy/counseling and coaching w licensed therapists for a low monthly fee – also provides emotional support through trained volunteers
- Talkiatry – (Paid/Accepts insurance) Access to psychiatrist online that provide supportive therapy and medications as needed (Available in all states except New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho)
- Curable – (Paid/HSA/FSA eligible) An app for learning exercises to train one’s mind. Teaches mindset training exercises and provides guided imagery and meditation modules. Can be accessed via web browser or downloaded as an app.
- CBT-i Coach – (Free) Designed for veterans and military personnel to help manage insomnia. The app offers cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia with tools for sleep assessment, sleep diaries, and educational materials.
- SuperBetter – (Paid) An app that uses game mechanics to build resilience, improve mental health, and tackle life challenges. Designed for youths to help users achieve their goals.
- Bloom – (Paid) Provides guided video sessions with a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy. Offers a range of programs for managing anxiety, depression, and stress through evidence-based techniques.
- UCLA Mindful – (Free) Provides guided meditation sessions and mindfulness resources. Offers practices for stress reduction, improved focus, and overall well-being.
- Happify – (Free/Paid) An app that combines evidence-based interventions from positive psychology, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy to improve emotional well-being. Offers activities and games to boost happiness and reduce stress.
- Center for Mindful Self-Compassion – (Free/Paid) Provides resources and training in mindful self-compassion to improve emotional resilience and overall mental health. Offers courses, workshops, and self-compassion practices.
- USC Mindful – (Free) Offers mindfulness programs and resources including guided meditation practices, workshops, and research on the benefits of mindfulness.
- Headspace – (Free/Paid/Accepts Insurance) A popular meditation app offering guided sessions on mindfulness, sleep, focus, and relaxation. Features a wide range of programs for beginners and experienced meditators.
- Calm – (Free/Paid/Accepts insurance) Provides guided meditation sessions, sleep stories, and relaxation techniques to reduce stress and improve mental well-being
- Healthy Minds Innovations – (Free) An app providing guided meditations, personal well-being assessments, and training programs.
- Insight Timer – (Free/Paid) A meditation app with a large library of guided sessions, music tracks, and courses led by experts. Allows users to connect with a global community of meditators.
- Stanford Health Library: Mindfulness Meditation – (Free) Offers guided audio meditations, providing practices for stress reduction, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
XRHealth – (Paid/Accepts insurance) Online mental health therapy through VR and in partnership with a therapist. Accessible, convenient, and effective therapy for a variety of mental health conditions.
- Art Therapy – (Free) Locator for certified art therapists from the American Art Therapy Association. Believes in artmaking, the creative process, and applying psychological theory as mental health therapy.
- Music Therapy – (Free) Locator for certified music therapists from the American Music Therapy Association. Uses music within a therapeutic relationship to address individuals’ and families’ physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs.
- Next Steps Online – (Free) A self-management program designed for people living with long-term health conditions. Offers interactive tools, educational modules, and support resources for managing chronic health issues in a class with other trauma survivors.
- PTSD Coach Online – (Free) An online resource to help individuals manage symptoms of PTSD. Offers self-help tools, educational materials, and coping strategies.
- Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health – (Free) A self-paced course from Harvard University to build a toolkit of skills to improve resilience, help manage stress, and face anxieties.
- Project Bread – (Accepts insurance) Resources for connecting patients with food assistance programs and support services. Is a partner in MassHealth’s Flexible Services Program, allowing Medicaid dollars to be spent on food insecurity and housing stability.
- FindHelp - (Free) An online search platform for community social health resources.
- Mayo Clinic Anxiety Coach: Family Stress – (Free) Provides tools and resources for families dealing with changes, loss, or other sources of anxiety. Offers practical advice and strategies for managing family-related stressors.
- Mind: PTSD for Friends and Family – (Free) Offers information and support for friends and family members of individuals with PTSD. Provides guidance on how to offer effective support and understanding.
- VA: How Family Members Can Help – (Free) Resources and advice for family members of veterans with PTSD. Offers strategies for supporting loved ones and managing the impact of PTSD on family dynamics.
- VA Family Coach App – (Free) An app designed to help family members of veterans with PTSD. Offers tools, information, and support strategies to assist in caring for a loved one with PTSD.
- Caregiver Action Network Toolbox – (Free) Provides resources and tools for caregivers to manage their own health and well-being while caring for others. Offers practical advice, support networks, stories, and educational materials.
- Caregivers/Care Partners Support Group – (Free) A national support group meeting from the US Pain Foundation for caregivers of people with chronic pain. Meets virtually once a month.
- Well Spouse Association - (Free/Paid) A network that supports and advocates for caregivers of individuals with disabilities or chronic illness. Hosts events and facilitates monthly support group meetings across the US online and in-person.
- Trauma Survivors Network Family Class – (Free) Information and resources for families preparing for their caregiving role. Local classes on emotional challenges and caregiving responsibilities for family members.
- VA: CRAFT for PTSD – (Free) A program teaching family members strategies to support loved ones with PTSD, focusing on communication, problem-solving, and self-care.
- NAMI Family Support Group – (Free) A peer-led support group for families of individuals with mental health conditions, offering a safe space to share experiences and receive support.
- Trauma Survivors Network Peer Visitation – (Free) Connect with trained individuals who have personally navigated the recovery journey for support, understanding, and advice.
- Amputee Coalition Certified Peer Visitor Program – (Free) Request a peer visit from a certified peer visitor, an individual who has experience with limb loss or limb difference. Experienced, well-trained peers can offer encouragement and information best suited for an individual.
- Legal Assistance Programs
- The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) – (Free) Offers legal advocacy for people with disabilities through its Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems. Can be a useful resource for trauma patients navigating disability benefits and securing financial support.
- Medicaid – (Free to apply) May help cover medical bills incurred during the hospital course for trauma patients. Even if you were not on Medicaid at the time of your accident, you might be eligible for retroactive coverage, where you are covered for costs incurred up to three months prior to your application date, provided you were eligible during that period. This "retroactive eligibility" can assist with medical expenses incurred before you were officially enrolled.
- Charity and Nonprofit Organizations
- The Assistance Fund – (Free to apply) Provides financial support to patients with chronic or life-threatening conditions by covering costs associated with medical care. Trauma patients may be able to receive help with out-of-pocket expenses related to their treatment including co-pays, deductibles, and other necessary medical expenses.
- Healthwell Foundation – (Free to apply) Offers financial assistance to underinsured patients who need help covering the cost of medical treatments and services. Can help with expenses such as co-pays, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs.
- Patient Advocate – (Free) Helps individuals facing financial challenges due to medical conditions. They offer support with accessing care, managing medical bills, and navigating insurance issues. Can help with providing case management services, negotiating with creditors, and offering financial assistance to cover out-of-pocket costs related to treatment and recovery.
- Crowdfunding Platforms
- GoFundMe – Popular crowdsourcing platform where trauma patients may be able to receive financial help by sharing their story and asking for financial support from friends, family, and the community.
- Hospital Financial Assistance Programs – Many hospitals and health systems offer financial assistance programs to help patients manage the cost of care. Examples:
- Ask your doctor what resources may be available at your specific hospital.
- Dollar For - (Free) A non-profit organization that provides assistance to patients in applying for and accessing financial assistance from the healthcare institutions with which they have current debt.
- State and Local Resources
- Benefits.gov – (Free) Comprehensive resource for finding government benefits and programs that can assist with financial needs. Trauma patients can use this site to explore available benefits, including those for medical care, and determine their eligibility for various state and federal programs.
- 211 – (Free) Dialing 211 or visiting 211.org connects patients with local resources and assistance. This service provides information about community resources, including financial aid, housing support, and other services that can aid in the recovery process for trauma patients.
- (988) Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – (Free) Confidential, 24/7, 365 days a year, English and Spanish
- (988 then press 1) Veterans Crisis line – (Free) Confidential, 24/7, 365 days a year, English and Spanish
- (1-800-662-4357) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline – (Free) Confidential, 24/7, 365 days a year, English and Spanish
- (1-800-950-6264, text “Helpline” to 62640, or email helpline@nami.org) National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline – (Free) M-F 10AM-10PM EST, peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support.
- Feeling Good Podcasts – (Free) This series covers mental health and cognitive behavioral therapy with practical tips, personal stories, and expert interviews, hosted by Dr. David Burns. It aims to help listeners improve their emotional well-being and develop effective coping strategies.
- NAMI Podcasts and Webinars – (Free) Features mental health education, advocacy, and support through expert discussions and personal stories. These episodes provide valuable insights and resources for managing mental health conditions.
- Redefining Disability – (Free) A podcast from Move United that focuses on using sport as power to push people and bring others closer together. Discusses how adaptive sports show what individuals with disabilities are capable of.
- The Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness Podcast – (Free) Hosts a variety of expert speakers to discuss a variety of trauma-related topics and the intersection of mindfulness, meditation, and traumatic stress.
- Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing – Including You by Brad Stulberg – This book explores the psychology of change and provides practical advice on developing resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset to navigate life's uncertainties.
- Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David Burns – A classic self-help book that introduces readers to cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. Discussing practical exercises and tools to help individuals manage depression, anxiety, and negative thoughts.
- The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living by Russ Harris – This book introduces Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to break free from the cycles of stress and anxiety. Includes practical exercises to promote mindfulness and happiness.
- Managing Pain Before It Manages You by Margaret Caudill – Discusses strategies and techniques to manage chronic pain. This book focuses on combining medical treatments with cognitive behavioral approaches to reduce pain’s impact on quality of life.
- The Body Keeps Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, MD – Provides a tangible way of understanding how the brain and body are affected by mild to severe traumatic events as well as available treatment modalities
- Sleep Education - American Academy of Sleep Medicine (Free)
- Patient-Friendly Guides - American Academy of Sleep Medicine (aasm.org)
- Resources for insomnia from American Academy of Sleep Medicine including the following treatment options:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
- Brief Therapies for Insomnia (BTIs)
- Stimulus Control
- Sleep Restriction Therapy
- Relaxation Therapy
- Insomnia Coach – (Free) An app based on cognitive behavioral therapy to help users manage insomnia. Includes weekly training plans, sleeping tips, and an interactive sleep diary.
- Stellar Sleep – (Paid) A sleep psychology app based on cognitive behavioral therapy that will generate a personalized sleep program based on life factors impacting your sleep.
- Better Sleep – (Free/Paid) An app with a large library of music/sounds, meditations, and stories to help you fall asleep.
- National Center for PTSD: Sleep Problems – (Free) An article with videos describing how trauma can affect sleep. Discuss types of sleep problems and different treatments available.
- (1-800-819-2043 or email) Project Sleep Helpline – (Free) Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm ET, leave a message 24/7. Personalized support and resources for those with sleep issues and sleep disorders. Resource specialists provide information, point to resources, and can help connect you to sleep centers for care.
- VA Path to Better Sleep – (Free) An online program to help you screen for sleep disorders, learn about healthy sleep hygiene, and manage insomnia through cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Sleep Reset - (Paid) An app based on cognitive behavioral therapy with daily check-ins, goal setting, and a customized program with sleep ‘coaches’.
• Exercise and Physical Activity Programs
• Nutritional Counseling