Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 17:38:30 -0500
From: Jessica Botta <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: health information on the Internet

Hi,

The APA recently launched their redesigned online consumer information
service, the APA Help Center at <http://helping.apa.org>.

I hope you'll visit the site and consider posting the information to your
Click4HP mailing list, as I think your subscribers would find the
information useful.

Please let me know if you have any questions. More information on the Help
Center follows.

Thanks, Jessica Botta



The American Psychological Association (APA) recently launched a
redesigned online consumer Help Center, located at
<http://helping.apa.org>. The Web site now includes expanded consumer
information as well as new navigational tools to make it easier for
consumers to find answers to commonly asked questions about psychological
health.

The APA has enhanced the Help Center through the use of multimedia
technology, expanded search capabilities, and an online mental health
poll. In addition, the Web site includes three new sections:

- How to Find Help For Life's Problems - answers to frequently asked
questions about obtaining psychological services, including when to seek
help; how to choose a psychologist; how therapy works; and how to evaluate
your insurance coverage for mental health services.

- How Therapy Helps - a place to learn more about the role of therapy in
recovering from depression, anxiety, eating disorders, alcoholism and
breast cancer.

- Psychology in Daily Life - a source of information on issues such as
retirement planning, controlling anger and sexual orientation. Research
conducted by Penn, Schoen + Berland, Inc. for APA found that half of all
Americans wished they knew more about when it was appropriate to seek
professional help for emotional problems and 68 percent did not know how
to go about finding the right help if they need it. "This Web site is a
resource that helps consumers not only gain a greater understanding about
when and how to seek help for problems, but also provides information
about issues affecting psychological health," says Russ Newman, Ph.D.,
J.D., APA's executive director for professional practice.

The Help Center offers facts, tips and information on coping with job
insecurity and workplace stress, family situations such as problem
teenagers or caring for elderly parents, and the 'mind-body connection,'
including coping with life-threatening or chronic illnesses. A free
informational brochure is also available through the Internet site or by
calling the APA at 1-800-964-2000. Callers also can be connected to a
referral service in their state.

APA Help Center http://helping.apa.org