Virginia has a population of approximately 8.3 million people. Close to 3.9% of adults in Virginia (according to SAMHSA) live with serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.
Public mental health services in Virginia are administered and provided by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services-Office of Mental Health (OMH). Substance use and addiction treatment services are overseen by Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services-Office of Substance Abuse Services (OSAS).
Only 50% of adults with mental illness in Virginia receive any form of treatment from either the public system or private providers (according to SAMHSA). The remaining 50% receive no mental health treatment. According to Mental Health America, Virginia is ranked 38 out of 50 states and Washington D.C for providing access to mental health services.
Medicaid is a combined state and federal program that provides health coverage to people with low income, including those who are unable to work because of a mental health disability. Residents of Virginia can apply for Medicaid through the Virginia Health Marketplace.
Other Virginia Resources
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services-Office of Mental Health (OMH)
Virginia Medicaid
Virginia 211 – 2-1-1 is a free referral and information helpline that connects people to a wide range of health and human services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To contact 2-1-1 in any state, including Virginia, simply dial the numbers 2-1-1 from any phone.
National Alliance on Mental Illness–Virginia – The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a nationwide advocacy group representing families and people affected by mental health disorders in the United States. The national organization is organized into state and local affiliates, of which NAMI–Virginia is one.
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