Our team has been hard at work reviewing popular mental health websites to help our clients navigate the vast amount of resources available to address mental health concerns. Today’s website review is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

About American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) was founded in 1987 and is a voluntary health organization focused on suicide prevention as well as resources for those affected by suicide. Established in 1987, AFSP is the largest private funder of suicide prevention research in the United States. Their mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. They fund scientific research to understand the causes of suicide, identify risk factors, and develop effective prevention strategies. This research informs the development of educational programs and resources that raise awareness about suicide prevention, mental health, and the importance of seeking help. The organization also offers support to individuals and families who have lost loved ones to suicide. AFSP provides a network of support groups, healing conferences, and resources to help survivors cope with their loss and find a path towards healing. There are local chapters of AFSP in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico.

What Can Users Find On The AFSP Website?

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides a variety of information and resources related to suicide prevention and support:

  • Suicide Prevention Information: The website provides general information about suicide, its risk factors, warning signs, and statistics. It offers guidance on how to recognize signs of suicidal ideation and provide support to individuals who may be at risk. It also has contacts for those in crisis, including calling 988 or texting TALK to 741741.
  • Resources For Those Affected By Suicide: The AFSP provides resources and support for individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide. This includes information on coping with grief, finding support groups, and accessing mental health services. Viewers also have the opportunity to read testimonies as well as sharing their own stories.
  • Education and Training: The website offers educational materials, online courses, and training programs for individuals and professionals interested in learning more about suicide prevention. These resources could help increase awareness and provide strategies for intervention.
  • Fundraising and Donations: As a non-profit organization, the AFSP has a section dedicated to fundraising efforts. The website provides information on how to donate, volunteer, or organize fundraising events to support their cause.
  • Research and Advocacy: The foundation highlights their ongoing research initiatives and advocacy efforts aimed at advancing suicide prevention strategies, improving mental health policies, and reducing the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.
  • Events and Campaigns: The website features information about upcoming events, awareness campaigns, or conferences related to suicide prevention. The website just recently posted information in May for Mental Health Awareness Month. It also provides resources for individuals interested in hosting their own events or participating in community activities.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Resources For Clients

While AFSP does not provide direct clinical services to clients and patients, they offer a range of resources, programs, and initiatives to support those in need. AFSP can assist and provide support to clients at a national and local level. Clients can read and receive education about mental health and suicide prevention through learning statistics, warning signs, treatment, and research. The organization provides connections to various awareness campaigns, community events, and training programs and provides resources and information to promote understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behavior. They provide resources such as support groups, educational materials, and events specifically designed for survivors. The website can connect clients to local chapters for more direct support. Alabama has a local chapter in Birmingham (Gardendale area). Clients can learn how to effectively connect with policymakers, community leaders, and other organizations to promote effective suicide prevention strategies and allocate resources appropriately. Clients can also receive advocacy for the specific needs of populations, such as veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and students, by offering targeted resources and support.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Resources For Professionals

The AFSP site and organization are also very useful for professionals in the mental health field. It offers evidence-based training programs and educational materials to help professionals develop the knowledge and skills needed to prevent suicide. These programs include safeTALK, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), and More Than Sad. Professionals can access the organization’s research publications and resources, which provide insights into the latest evidence-based practices for suicide prevention and intervention and better inform their practice with clients. This would include things like connecting clients with resources, support, and local chapters, as well as connecting clients with crisis/emergency contacts when clients are not in sessions with professionals. Professionals can also get involved in advocacy initiatives, join the AFSP’s Public Policy Council, and contribute to shaping policies that impact suicide prevention efforts. provides opportunities for professionals to collaborate and network with others in the field of suicide prevention. This might involve attending AFSP conferences, participating in local and regional events, and connecting with professionals through AFSP’s online communities. Finally, professionals seeking to contribute to programs and initiatives can contribute to the AFSP’s mission by participating in fundraising events, volunteering, or making donations, leading to an improved ability to reach and impact people across the nation.

A Few Of Our Favorite AFSP Resources

  • Find A Local Chapter: The site provides a search filter for finding the nearest local chapter to your area. For example, here is the information for the Alabama Chapter:
    1034 Main Street #319
    Gardendale, AL 35071
    Contact: Meesha Emmett
    Alabama Area Director
    memmett@afsp.org
    205-778-8284
  • Find A Support Group: The site lists support groups you can join, including local groups and nationwide virtual groups. They have a variety of support groups for those who have lost someone to suicide, including groups for parents, siblings, spouses, children of parents, LGBTQIA+, and various age groups.
  • Healing Conversations: “Healing conversations” are available to have with volunteers who are survivors of suicide loss and can help provide support for the weeks and months following a loss to suicide; this is available over the phone, virtually, or in person.
  • Blog: AFSP has a wide variety of blogs of personal stories, summaries of research and events, and even an opportunity to write your own blog/story to share with others.
  • Get Help: And, of course, there is a section dedicated to those seeking help for their own struggles with feeling suicidal or loved ones of those who are suicidal, survivors of suicide, etc. Besides the clearly posted crisis contacts (988, texting TALK to 741741), you can follow the site depending on your circumstances, such as feeling suicidal yourself, being concerned about someone, or grieving a loss. Extensive resources are provided to learn about suicide or connect to professionals to help those in need; you can also navigate and connect to resources specific to you (e.g. black, Hispanic, Native American communities).

In the coming weeks, we will be sharing more reviews of popular websites! For previous reviews, visit one of the links below: