Virginia’s oldest mental health advocacy organization
Mental Health Month – Resources and a Richmond Area Event
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
Mental Health Month – Resources and a Richmond Area Event
The National Mental Health Association (now Mental Health America) first proclaimed May to be Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949,...
New Central State Hospital – History & Hope
After years of delay, the final steel beam was placed atop a new Central State Hospital in Dinwiddie County on May 1st. Projected to...
Dangers of Diet Culture
By Madeline Lund Ms. Lund is a high school student in Northern Virginia and volunteer with Mental Health Virginia.Many adolescents...
Statement on Drastic HHS Staffing Reductions
The federal government funds major parts of our mental health services, as well as the mental health services provided by many other...
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
Take a Break for Mental Health in the Park!
Being outside, movement, creating art – All help nurture mental health.
Join us on Saturday, May 31st from 11am to 2pm at Harry Daniel Park in Chesterfield. Free yoga at 11:00, screen printing, games, food, health information and the Aetna Care Mobile!
Take action for your own mental health
Mental health can’t wait. Taking action for your personal mental well-being—whether by setting boundaries, reaching out for support, or practicing self-care—can make a lasting difference. This Mental Health Month, prioritize yourself and explore the resources that can help you build resilience, manage challenges, and thrive.
¡Los materiales del Mes de la Salud Mental en español ya están aquí!
Aetna, J&J and Mental Health Virginia present:
Transitions in Care
June 21, 2025
12:00 to 1:00 PM
Intended Audience: Peer Recovery Specialists, Mental Health Professionals, Leaders
Description: An educational presentation about evidence-based practices to reduce hospital readmissions/criminal recidivism among individuals with serious mental illness living in the community.
- Review specific examples of successful transitional care programs
- Explore how a multidisciplinary/collaborative approach can support successful transitions
- Identify actionable strategies for potential implementation.
Format: Free webinar
Trauma-informed Training and Recovery Support for Virginia Crime and/or Trauma Survivors
(Re)STORE: Retreat
June 28 – 30, 2025
Montpelier, VA
The full (Re)STORE program includes an introductory webinar, a virtual training and culminates with an in-person retreat.
Format: This 2-day retreat is intended for Virginia victims of crime and/or trauma survivors.
Topics include: Trauma awareness, mindfulness, wellness, resilience
Facilitators: Kevin Kelly, CPRS and Heather Fossen, CPRS
