Virginia Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in Virginia
When it comes to mental health, Virginia has ranked higher than other states. According to Mental Health America’s report for 2024, Virginia placed 12th in terms of overall access to mental health care. Many have cited the expansion of Medicaid, which has allowed adults and youths to find greater awareness and coverage for treatment.
However, Mental Health America cautioned that the state continues to lag behind in terms of available care; one report notes that there were only 14 child and adolescent psychiatrists for every 100,000 kids, and the rate of suicide and depression among young people were increasing.
The Virginia Health Care Foundation has noted that over 61% of trained psychologists were over 55 years old and nearing retirement age, and the majority of mental health care physicians does not align with the state’s gender and racial profile. These statistics indicate a growing need for greater training and investments in the healthcare industry to make mental health care more accessible for all.
14 per 100,000
There are only 14 child and adolescent psychiatrists for every 100,000 kids in Virginia
Over 61%
Of trained psychologists were nearing retirement age
12th
Virginia ranks #12 in mental health care
Free Mental Health Resources in Virginia
NAMI Virginia offers various free, peer-led programs to support residents affected by mental health conditions. Peer-to-Peer helps you understand mental health and recovery while Family-to-Family is an option for family members and friends. Basics addresses concerns of parents and caregivers. Each program seeks to educate, support, and empower participants.
Mental Health America of Fredericksburg has several programs that support community mental health including assistance to connect individuals with resources, matching isolated older adults with trained volunteers, educational initiatives to raise awareness and prevent suicide, and support groups that assist individuals facing mental health challenges.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
Disability
The Southside Behavioral Health “We Stand Together” initiative provides resources and support for LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies. They host annual summits to promote community education, inclusion, and protection. Virtual support groups for parents of LGBTQ+ youth offer guidance on building trusting relationships and understanding identities.
Provide Services for
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
The LGBT Life Center in Norfolk, Virginia serves the community with comprehensive resources that include free condoms, stress reduction materials, education to prevent HIV, ready made meals, pantry items, and housing assistance to improve economic stability in better health. Programs empower young Black LGBTQ males and promote safe and healthy relationships.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Seniors
Depression
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Eating Disorders
Substance Abuse
Domestic Violence
Virginia's Community Services Board and Behavioral Health Authority are the primary entry points for publicly funded mental health and substance use services. The agency serves each county, ensuring localized access to essential services including case management, outpatient counseling, and emergency services. They play a crucial role in promoting recovery and wellness.
Chesterfield County's mental health support services provide comprehensive programs for residents of all ages including individualized counseling that focuses on mental health and addiction treatment. Prevention services promote community wellness through education and early intervention, and same-day access allows residents to get immediate assistance without an appointment.
The Virginia Telemental Health Initiative expands access to mental health services to uninsured and underinsured individuals. They utilize pre-licensed volunteer providers to offer free telehealth services, with an average wait time of 11 days. They collaborate with free and charitable clinics statewide to ensure thousands receive services that address their mental health needs.
This organization offers a comprehensive range of programs to support individuals with substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and developmental disabilities. You can receive mental health counseling, support, and substance use treatment. They promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and provide 24/7 pre-admission screening services.
Fairfax County's Healthy Minds Fairfax program improves access to services across the lifespan for mental health and addiction care. This includes hotlines and warm lines, drop-in centers for peer run support, support groups, and family support partners to offer additional assistance. The resources help improve emotional well-being and connect you to appropriate care.
Mental Health Virginia offers mental health support resources throughout the state including the Peer-Run Warm Line, which provides confidential support for non-crisis assistance. Recovery Education delivers peer facilitated webinars and the Probation Peer Support program offers virtual, voluntary support to individuals under probationary supervision with mental health challenges.
DBHDS Behavioral Health Services for Military Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
800-273-8255
The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services tailors programs to support military service members, veterans, and their families. They partner with organizations that provide free counseling and supportive services to address employment, education, legal, and transition challenges. Programs deliver personalized care coordination and peer support when navigating behavioral health concerns.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Veterans
Disability
Depression
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
Fredericksburg Counseling Services is a free mental health clinic providing mental health screening, individual and family counseling, case management, and educational presentations. The mission is to provide accessible counseling and related services at no charge to help low-income and uninsured individuals overcome mental and emotional challenges that affect their quality of life.
The University's program provides free, short-term counseling to faculty, employees, fellows, and eligible patients. The service promotes wellness by helping create positive change, manage stress, and achieve work-life harmony. Eligibility includes being a recent patient referred to a specific program or an employee residing in Virginia at the time of service.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
The Women's Initiative provides free, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive programs for women and gender expansive individuals in Central Virginia. Services include counseling, support groups, and wellness workshops that cater to the unique needs of Black, BIPOC, and Latino communities. They provide LGBTQ+ affirming spaces and arts-based therapeutic activities.
Provide Services for
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Women
Seniors
Depression
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
Domestic Violence
This organization provides culturally competent care tailored to the LGBTQ+ community. Services include family planning education, hormone therapy, HIV management, mental health support, pain management, referrals for gender affirming surgery, preventive care, and sexual health services. Providers are trained to address concerns in a judgment-free environment that respects the individual's needs.
Provide Services for
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women