Virginia’s oldest mental health advocacy organization
Crisis Services Plan Seeing Results
But Forensic Patients Filling State Hospitals
Virginia’s mental health crisis services system has itself been in crisis for years, with overcrowded state hospitals, staff vacancies and waits for crisis care in emergency rooms lasting days, not hours. Virginia’s Behavioral Health Commission recently heard a report from the Commissioner of Behavioral Health about good progress in beginning to turn the system around. This is great news.
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
Crisis Services Plan Seeing Results
But Forensic Patients Filling State Hospitals Virginia’s mental health crisis services system has itself been in crisis for years,...
Jails Can’t Solve the Mental Health Crisis
We are somewhat encouraged by recent attention to the disconnect between individuals with serious mental illness and local jails. The...
We are now Mental Health Virginia
“Mental Health Virginia” - We’ve shortened our name, but not our mission. There’s a lot going on this May for Mental Health Month,...
New Beginnings
Embarking on new journeys, whether it's starting an internship, a new school environment, or diving into a new job, often brings a...
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
Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight the unique strengths and challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) in relation to mental health.
This July, we encourage everyone to take steps towards improving mental health in BIPOC communities.
To support these efforts, Mental Health America has created a free BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit. The toolkit contains handouts, outreach ideas, social media assets, and other resources to help combat stigma, break down myths, and encourage conversations about mental health.
For more information, explore the BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit provided by Mental Health America at mhanational.org/july and visit the BIPOC Mental Health Resource Center at mhanational.org/bipoc.
Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental health at work is so important!
Take advantage of this opportunity for a FREE, 1 hour, in-person presentation to your leadership team that includes resource lists, completion certificate and materials.
Contact coachcheryl@wonderousways.com to schedule.
Funded by a grant to support mentally healthy workplaces in Virginia.
2024 Mental Health Voter Guide
With mental health care on the ballot in 2024, it’s more important than ever for the mental community to be involved in this year’s election. MHA’s 2024 Voter Guide is here to empower you to vote with mental health in mind.
