Virginia’s oldest mental health advocacy organization
2026 Legislative Session
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
A Silent Asset
Poem by: Tamika Warren, Warm Line Operator Tamika recently joined the Warm Line team and has been assisting callers. She reflected on...
2026 Legislative Session Wrap-Up: What It Means for Mental Health
Written by: Kiersten ‘KiKi’ Szymecki, MSW Policy Intern The 2026 General Assembly session adjourned on March 14. This is one of the...
March is National Social Work Month
Written by: Kiersten ‘KiKi’ Szymecki, MSW Policy Intern What comes to mind when you hear “social work”? Maybe that they take children...
Virginia drops from 12th to 22nd in the 2025 State of Mental Health in America Report
Written by: Kiersten ‘KiKi’ Szymecki, MSW Policy Intern Mental Health America (MHA) has shared its findings in the most recent...
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 Events
Mental Health Month 2026
May is #MentalHealthMonth!
This May, Mental Health America is helping people have more good days by meeting them where they are, supporting them as whole people, and understanding that “good” is subjective.
Let’s have more good days, together.
(Re)STORE: Sampler
May 13, 2026
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Zoom
Trauma-informed Recovery Support for Virginia Victims of Crime
The (Re)STORE: Sampler webinar introduces an interactive program of wellness and resilience topics to facilitate ongoing recovery by using a strengths-based approach to empower individuals toward self-advocacy.
Facilitators: Kevin Kelly, CPRS and Heather Fossen, CPRS
Aetna, J&J and Mental Health Virginia present:
Transitions of Care
June 2, 2026
12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Intended Audience: Peer Recovery Specialists
Description: Transition of Care (TOC) training focuses on reducing gaps in care that place individuals with SUD and mental health and conditions at risk during critical transitions, specifically from inpatient to outpatient services and from correctional settings to community-based treatment. These transition periods are particularly vulnerable points where individuals may disengage from care, leading to increased risk of relapse. Peer Support Specialists play a vital role in strengthening continuity of care by providing advocacy, facilitating access to appointments, and reinforcing coping skills and resilience. Through consistent engagement and practical support, Peer Support Specialists help individuals navigate complex systems and sustain recovery. The overarching goal of TOC training is to improve recovery outcomes by reducing relapse risks and promoting long-term stability in the community.
- Review specific examples of successful transitional care programs
- Explore how Peer Support Specialists support a multidisciplinary/collaborative approach to successful transitions
- Identify actionable strategies for potential implementation.
Format: Free webinar