What if I need mental health help right now but have no insurance?

Call or text 988 immediately for crisis support — it is free, confidential, and available 24/7 with no insurance required. For non-emergency situations, your local Community Services Board (CSB) is required to provide crisis and emergency services to all Virginia residents regardless of ability to pay. Call 2-1-1 to be connected to your nearest CSB around the clock.

Does Virginia Medicaid cover therapy and psychiatric medication?

Yes. Virginia Medicaid covers outpatient mental health therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis services, and peer support services for eligible individuals. If you think you may qualify based on income, apply at commonhelp.virginia.gov or call 1-855-242-8282. Enrollment workers at local Department of Social Services offices can also help you apply in person.

How do I find a low-cost therapist or counselor in Virginia if I do not qualify for Medicaid?

Start by calling 2-1-1 Virginia (dial 2-1-1), which maintains an up-to-date database of sliding-scale and free counseling options in your area, including federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) that offer mental health services on an income-based fee scale. University training clinics, nonprofit community counseling centers, and faith-based organizations also provide low-cost care in many parts of the state.

Are there mental health resources specifically for children and teens in Virginia?

Yes. Children and youth can receive mental health services through their local CSB, which offers assessments and therapy for minors. Virginia Medicaid (FAMIS and FAMIS Plus) covers mental health services for eligible children. Schools may also provide referrals to mental health supports. For crisis situations involving a young person, 988 has counselors trained to support youth, and you can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

Mental Health Resources in Virginia

Last updated September 11, 2026

Virginia residents experiencing mental health challenges have access to a range of services, from immediate crisis support to longer-term counseling and psychiatric care. Whether you are uninsured, on Medicaid, or simply unsure where to begin, there are free and low-cost pathways to care available across the state — including in rural areas that are often underserved.

The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) oversees the public mental health system in Virginia and funds a network of Community Services Boards (CSBs). CSBs are local public agencies present in every region of the state and serve as the front door to publicly funded mental health, substance use, and developmental services — regardless of your ability to pay. You can find your local CSB through the DBHDS website at dbhds.virginia.gov.

If you are unsure which programs you qualify for or need help navigating the system, calling 2-1-1 Virginia (dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211) connects you with trained specialists who can identify local mental health providers, crisis services, housing supports, and other resources matched to your situation at no cost.

Key programs in Virginia

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Provides free, confidential crisis counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone experiencing a mental health emergency, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress. Virginia also operates a statewide Crisis Call Center connected to the 988 network.

How to access: Call or text 988 from any phone. Chat is available at 988lifeline.org. No insurance or ID is required.

Virginia Community Services Boards (CSBs)

Locally operated public agencies that provide mental health assessment, outpatient therapy, psychiatric medication management, crisis stabilization, and intensive community services. CSBs serve all residents and use a sliding-fee scale based on income, so cost is rarely a barrier.

How to access: Find your regional CSB at dbhds.virginia.gov/developmental-services/community-services-boards or call 2-1-1 Virginia to be connected. Walk-ins are accepted at many CSB locations for crisis or intake appointments.

Virginia Medicaid (Medallion 4.0 / FAMIS Plus)

Virginia's Medicaid program covers a comprehensive set of mental health and substance use services including therapy, psychiatric care, crisis intervention, and peer support for eligible low-income adults, children, families, and individuals with disabilities.

How to access: Apply online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, call 1-855-242-8282, or visit your local Department of Social Services office. Eligibility is based on income and household size.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Virginia

NAMI Virginia offers free peer-led education programs such as Family-to-Family and NAMI Peer-to-Peer, support groups, and a helpline for individuals and family members affected by mental illness. NAMI does not provide clinical treatment but is a strong complement to formal care.

How to access: Contact NAMI Virginia at namivirginia.org or call the NAMI National Helpline at 1-800-950-6264. Local NAMI affiliates are active across Virginia; 2-1-1 can help locate the nearest chapter.

VA Mental Health Services (for Veterans)

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides mental health care including therapy, PTSD treatment, substance use programs, and the Veterans Crisis Line to eligible veterans in Virginia through VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs).

How to access: Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1. For ongoing care, contact your nearest VA facility or visit va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health. Veterans can also call 1-800-827-1000 to begin enrollment in VA health care.

Mental Health Resources resources for Virginia

BeBold Recovery — Outpatient Addiction Treatment Center

SAMHSA-listed mental health treatment facility.

Norfolk, Virginia757-716-0067

Mental Health Resources in Virginia

Key programs in Virginia

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Virginia Community Services Boards (CSBs)

Virginia Medicaid (Medallion 4.0 / FAMIS Plus)

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Virginia

VA Mental Health Services (for Veterans)

Mental Health Resources resources for Virginia

BeBold Recovery — Outpatient Addiction Treatment Center

Because We Care II Inc

Cannon Resilient Services LLC

Chesapeake Integrated — Behavioral Healthcare

Childrens Pavilion

Childrens Services Center — Robin Hood Road Center

GHR Center

Harbor Point Behavioral Health Center

Inspiration Health Addiction Trt Ctr

Master Center for Addiction Medicine

Merakey — Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

Panacea Behavioral Health and — Wellness Center

Portsmouth Behavioral Healthcare Servs — SA Outpatient Treatment Services

Sandstone Care Virginia Beach

Tidewater Psychotherapy Services — Horizons

Western Tidewater Community Services — Harbour View Services Center

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Find Support Today

NAMI HelpLine

Other resources in Virginia

Mental Health Resources in other states