Virginia’s oldest mental health advocacy organization

Getting through the elections, Thanksgiving and beyond.

What We Do

Advocacy

We advocate for a better mental health system and public understanding that mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health.

  • Increase public awareness, decrease stigma and keep mental health issues on the forefront of policy and legislative agendas.
  • Educate policy makers about the barriers preventing people from receiving the help they need, and identify solutions.

Peer Run Warm Line

Free, anonymous and confidential
866-400-6428
Call, text or chat

Virginia’s Peer-Run Warm Line and other resources for wellness and recovery. Not a crisis hotline, the warm line helps keep people out of crisis. Staff listen nonjudgmentally, and can help identify coping strategies, resources and support for your mental health well-being.

Recovery Education

For individuals who have experienced challenges with trauma, mental health or addiction, our programs incorporate recovery principles, encourage self-empowerment and model peer support practices. Programs include peer facilitated webinars and in-person trainings.

Probation Peer Support

Our Peer Support Wellness program is completely free and voluntary.  Once referred, with your permission, one of our Peer Support Specialists will reach out to you to get started.

Latest News

Making a Difference

“Being able to talk to you is like a magic wand. I feel so much better having talked to you and have someone just listen to me.

Warm Line Caller

“The opportunity to use what was learned to advocate for mental health

Recovery Education Participant

“That I could relate to what she was going through, non-judgmental and supportive. “

Probation Peer Support Participant

Current Initiatives

Winter at the Virginia Capitol

Free Advocacy Webinar

Legislative Advocacy 101:

Navigating the Virginia General Assembly

Wednesday, December 18

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Join Bruce Cruser, Executive Director of Mental Health Virginia, for an introductory webinar designed to give you basic tools and knowledge to amplify your voice and create change.

In this free webinar, you’ll learn:

  • The basics of the Virginia legislative process
  • Practical tips for connecting with decision-makers
  • Strategies to influence policies and programs that matter to YOU

Join Us in Advocating for Mental Health!

January 13, 2025

8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Join Mental Health Virginia, NAMI Virginia, Vocal Virginia, and Voices for Virginia’s Children for Mental Health Advocacy Day 2025! In-person and virtual options to attend are available.

MHV Policy and Legislative Priorities for 2025

Please note that registration for the in-person event is limited to 50 registrants, and we request your commitment to attend. The first 50 in-person registrants will be notified, and the remaining will be placed on a waiting list.

Virginia Mental Health Advocacy Day January 13 2025
Supporting Young Minds

Supporting Young Minds

Today’s youth are facing unprecedented challenges to their mental well-being, and supportive adults can make a significant difference in a young person’s mental health journey.

Mental Health America’s 2024 Supporting Young Minds Guides have been created to empower parents, caregivers, teachers, and others to provide support by fostering nonjudgmental environments where young people feel safe expressing themselves. In them, you will find information about facilitating conversations and validating feelings, creating safe spaces and supportive culture in the classroom, and ways to promote peer support. We’ve also created resources to help young people support one another and feel empowered to set and achieve goals.