Virginia’s oldest mental health advocacy organization
SB 1194: Law Enforcement’s Need for Mental Health Training
Mental and behavioral health are increasingly prolific public health topics that have garnered much needed public attention over the past few decades in the United States. Although the number of resources and outlets for individuals facing mental health crises has grown exponentially, these issues are still prevalent today.
What We Do
Notice Regarding Warm Line Texting
Once you text the Warm Line number, you will be asked to opt-in to the conversation by typing YES, which will connect you with a Peer Specialist. When you are ready to end the conversation, you will be asked to opt-out by typing STOP.
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
SB 1194: Law Enforcement’s Need for Mental Health Training
By Maria Pitella Maria is a first year law student at the University of Richmond and a volunteer intern with Mental Health...
Mental Health + Physical Health = Health.
We know a lot about how mental and physical health are related. Physical exercise and healthy eating are good for our mental health...
The Harmful Impact of Anti-Trans Legislation on Mental Health
By Ethan Wheeler(They/Them)Ethan is a 1st year law student at the University of Richmond and a volunteer intern with Mental Health...
Proposed State Budget Amendments
On February 2nd the senate and house money committees reported their respective amendments to the state budget for 2025-2026. Once...
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.“
“The opportunity to use what was learned to advocate for mental health“
“That I could relate to what she was going through, non-judgmental and supportive. “
Current Initiatives
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.