This information was
compiled by Central Peer Connect, (CPC), a group of people in Central Virginia
who are dealing with mental health issues and want to share information they
have found helpful in their recovery. They are providing this information to the
Hanover Mental Health Association in order to allow access to more people
through this website.
Here you will find
information about support lines, support groups, recovery tools, websites,
educational opportunities, assistance obtaining medication, how to find a
counselor and more.
The goal of Central
Peer Connect, (CPC), is to unite mental health consumers in central Virginia
through group discussions and projects aimed at making a difference in the
community. CPC aims to inspire hope and
educate people about resources for people at all stages of their recovery who
are searching for ways to feel and stay well.
Jobs, housing and legal assistance
Community Service Boards and other providers
Support groups and organizations
NATIONAL
SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
800-273-TALK
or 800-273-8255
800-SUICIDE
or 800-874-2433
Veterans SUICIDE HOT LINE
804-675-5000 (press 1)
DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE HOTLINES
The
YWCA has hotlines for women and their children suffering from domestic
violence.
Richmond,
VA: 804-643-0888
CRISIS
LINES
If
you need someone to evaluate you and, if necessary, transport you to the
hospital, contact the CSB crisis line in your area.
RICHMOND
(RBHA) 804-819-4100
HANOVER
804-365-4200
HENRICO/CHARLES
CITY/NEW KENT 804-727-8484
CHESTERFIELD 804-748-6356
GOOCHLAND/POWHATAN 804-556-3716
PETERSBURG 804-862-8000
FREDERICKSBURG/RAPPAHANNOCK
540-373-6876
HEALING
EAR WARM LINE, Harrisonburg, Va.
A
warm line open to everyone who just needs someone to talk to. This is not a
crisis line.
2
p.m. – 7 a.m.
540-438-9205
Bobbie
540-432-0479 Ronnie
If
long distance charges are a problem, they will call you back.
Mental Health America -- Virginia (MHAV) WARM LINE
866-400-6428
(menu option 1)
If you have to leave a message, your
call with be returned within one business day.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami) WARM LINE
800-950-6264
CRISIS STABILIZATION UNIT (CSU)
The CSU is an unlocked facility that is
an alternative to hospitalization when you are in crisis. If you live in Richmond,
Henrico, Chesterfield or Hanover, contact your Community Services Board (CSB)
crisis line, and ask to be considered for this program. This is a new unit of the Richmond Behavioral
Health Authority (RBHA).
.
“Mental Health Recovery is a journey of
healing and transformation enabling a person with a mental health problem to
live a meaningful life in a community of his or her choice while striving to
achieve his or her full potential.”– The President’s New Freedom Commission on
Mental Health
Can
I recover?
Do
people really recover? Absolutely. People with psychiatric diagnoses get well
and stay well. While some individuals
become free of psychiatric concerns altogether, others learn new ways of living
in and adjusting to the world. No matter
what your circumstances may be, there is great reason to be hopeful.
Recovery
is a journey
Recovery
is a journey to create a positive change in the way you feel or in your
enjoyment of life. It is about living well.
It is about moving beyond your medical diagnosis. It is about defining
yourself rather than accepting how you have been defined by others. Instead of
focusing on “what is wrong with me,” recovery focuses on “what is right with me.” Recovery is often courageous work that takes
consistent effort but its rewards are endlessly fulfilling.
Recovery and peer support
There
is no “one-size-fits-all” path called Recovery. What works for one person may
not work for another. Recovery depends on your unique needs, desires and ideas
about life and wellness. Important steps on the recovery path are developing
more self-awareness and learning how to treat one’s body, mind and spirit. The
more we know about ourselves and the actions we can take, the more we have
control over our lives.
What
is the role of medication in recovery?
Medication
is one of the tools you may choose to use. It is important to have a good
relationship with your physician so you can share in the decision-making
process.
Peer
recovery movement
In
the peer recovery movement, “peer” refers to anyone who identifies with a shared
experience around mental health issues. Many of the programs described in this section
are run or taught by peers.
Peer
Support Specialists
A
Peer Support Specialist is a peer in recovery with formal training to provide
peer support and recovery education. Peer support specialists work within the
mental health system or in peer-run organizations.
Connection
to Care
573-996-3333
www.freemedicinefoundation.com
Crossover
Ministries
Richmond and surrounding areas
804-233-5016
www.crossoverministry.org
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
888-4PPA-NOW (888-477-2669)
www.pparx.org
Medical
Assistance for Low Income People
www.mental-health-today.com/helpmeds.htm
Medicare help with prescription drug
costs for people receiving Medicare
Nationally supported
800-633-4227
www.cms.hhs.gov/limitedincomeandresources/
Together RX Access
800-444-4106
www.togetherRxAccess.com
Virginia Department of Developmental
Health and Behavioral Services
www.dbhds.virginia.gov/Links.htm
Pharmacy Checker— Compare prices
(Some pharmacies will price match if you can prove a medication can be
found cheaper elsewhere.)
www.pharmacychecker.com
Search the web for the company that makes the
medications you take. Many provide help.
For example,
Wellbutrin is a GalaxoSmithKline drug and they have
program called Bridges to Access
866-PATIENT
(866-728-4368)
www.bridgestoaccess.com
866-475-3678 8
AM to 6 PM EST
Jobs, housing and legal assistance
Central
Virginia Legal Aid Society (CVLAS)
Legal
representation without charge to low income or elderly clients in civil cases
Office: 804-648-1012
Telephone
intake: 804-200-6046
Prerecorded
topic recordings: 866-534-5243
www.cvlas.org
Dial 211 – Get Connected – Get Answers
Dialing 211 will direct you to services including
housing, utilities, clothing, household needs, employment, education and food
available from the State of Virginia, the United Way and other organizations.
Dial 211
www.211virginia.org
Virginia
Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS)
If
you are not receiving services from a CSB, call 804-662-7000.
If
you do receive services through a CSB, see your case manager for a DRS contact.
www.vadrs.org
Virginia’s
Accessible Housing Resource
An
online housing registry designed to help Virginian’s with disabilities find
accessible, affordable places to live.
www.accessva.org
Goodwill
Contact
Ellen Thornhill 804-745-6300
Freedom House
1400
Oliver Hill Way
Breakfast: Mon-Fri. 6 -7:30 a.m.
Lunch: Sat—3:30-4:20 p.m., Sun-12:30-1:30 p.m.
Dinner:
Mon-Fri 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Stave Ministries
Monroe
Park
Breakfast:
Sundays -- 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Friends of the
Homeless
Broomfield
Christian Methodist
609
Jeff Davis Hwy
Lunch:
Mon-Fri 12-12:30 p.m.
31st
Street Baptist Church
823
N 31st Street
804-226-0150
Lunch:
Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Trinity Baptist
Church
2811
Fendall Avenue
804-321-2427
Lunch:
Mon., Wed., Fri 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
2nd
Presbyterian Church
5
North Fifth Street
804-649-9148
Lunch:
Monday, 10:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
St. Peter’s
Catholic Church
800
East Grace Street
804-643-4315
Lunch:
Tuesday, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
3rd
Street Bethel, AME
614
North Third Street
804-643-8157
Lunch:
Wednesday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
St. Paul’s
Episcopal Church
815
E. Grace Street
804-648-7410
Lunch:
Thursday, 10:30a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sharon Baptist
Church
22
East Leigh Street
804-643-3825
Lunch:
Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sept
through June
Centenary United
Methodist Church
411
East Grace Street
804-648-8319
Lunch:
Friday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Grace and Holy
Trinity
8
North Laurel Street
804-359-5628
Lunch:
Friday, 1-1:45 p.m.
(not
August)
Sixth Mount Zion
Baptist
14
West Duval Street
804-648-7511
Lunch:
Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
2nd
Baptist Church
1400
Idlewood Avenue
804-353-7682
Lunch:
Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Resurrection
Lutheran Church
2500
Seminary Ave (Ed. Bldg)
804-321-7291
Lunch:
12-2 p.m.
3rd
Saturday of month (not Aug.)
Strong Tower
Church
15
West Clopton St.
804-232-8500
Call
for transportation
Lunch:
Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Food Not Bombs
Monroe
Park
Main
& Belvedere
Dinner:
Sunday, 4 p.m.
Schedules
are subject to change. For the latest information, see www.homewardva.org or call 804-343-2045
Community
Service Boards and other service providers
Richmond
Behavioral Health Authority
107
S. Fifth Street Richmond, Va. 23219
804-819-4000
www.rbha.org
Emergency
Services Contact Number: 804-819-4100
Hanover
CSB
12300
Washington Highway, Ashland, Va. 23005
804-365-4222
www.co.hanover.va.us/csb/default.htm
Emergency
Services Contact Number: 804-365-4200
Henrico/Charles
City/New Kent CSB
10299
Woodman Road, Glen Allen, Va. 23060
804-727-8500
www.co.henrico.va.us/mhmr
Emergency
Services Contact Number: 804-727-8484
Chesterfield
Mental Health Support Services CSB
6801
Lucy Coor Blvd, Chesterfield, Va. 23832
804-748-1227
www.chesterfield.gov; click on “Departments,” then “Mental Health”
Emergency
Services Contact Number: 804-748-6356
Goochland
and Powhatan CSB
P.O.
Box 189 Goochland, Va. 23063
804-556-5400
www.gpcsb.org
Emergency
Services Contact Number: 804-556-3716
Petersburg
CSB – District 19
20
W. Bank Street, Suite 2 Petersburg, Va. 23803
804-862-8054
www.d19csb.com
Emergency
Services Contact Number: 804-862-8000
Fredericksburg
– Rappahannock CSB
600
Jackson Street, Fredericksburg, Va. 22401
540-373-3223
www.racsb.state.va.us
Emergency
Services Contact Number: 540-373-6876
Daily
Planet
Walk-in
center for crisis intervention
Intake
begins at 8 a.m.
517
Grace Street, Richmond, Va 23220
804-783-0678
VCU
Health Systems (MCV)
Intake
into Mental Health
1250
East Marshall, Richmond, Va. 23298
804-828-2000
Network
of Care – Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA)
For
residents of the city of Richmond;
Monday
– Friday; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
804-819-4000
www.richmondcity.va.networkofcare.org
Click
on “Mental/Behavioral Health,” then click on “Virginia”
McGuire
Veterans Administration Mental Center (VAMC)
1201
Broad Rock Blvd., Richmond, Va.
804-675-5000
(press 2 for appointment or clinic information)
www.richmond.va.gov
Finding
a counselor
Finding
a counselor is a very personal choice. What works for one may not work for
another. If you don’t feel you connect with a counselor, keep looking.
Here are some questions you might find helpful to ask. Do you feel
comfortable with the therapist? Is it easy to make small
talk? Is the person down to earth? Does the therapist have experience
helping others with the same particular issues you have? Is the counselor licensed? What
is their educational background? Does
the counselor accept your insurance? Do
they have a sliding scale if you don’t have insurance?
Talking
with your doctor – coordinating your care
Ask
questions.
It
is a good idea to make sure that your doctors are aware of each other. Does
your psychiatrist communicate with your physician? Do your physician and psychiatrist know all
the medications your are taking? For
example, does your psychiatrist know about any other medications you are
taking, such as insulin.
Have
you asked your doctor to explain the reason for all your medications? Have you
asked him to discuss alternatives with you? For example, could you take one
with fewer side effects or side effects that would be easier for you to
tolerate?
Emergency contact information card
Sample
emergency card information you should carry with you:
In
case of emergency, please notify:
Mary
Jones, my friend Phone:
Bob
Smith, my friend Phone
My
Primary Care Doctor is Dr. Johnson, Phone
My
Psychiatrist is Dr. Russell, Phone
MY
MEDICATIONS (include all meds, e.g.,
heart, etc.)
Support
groups and organizations
You
are not alone.
In
the greater Richmond area, there are many support groups for you and your
family. There are also peer-run organizations and resource centers that have
educational programs and other helpful information. There are national
organizations that provide resources. Many of these organizations have websites
with information and tools. Many also have conferences with speakers and
workshops and, perhaps most importantly, a chance to meet a large number of
peers.
Participants
in all these programs are enthusiastic about meeting others to share
experiences and stories about recovery journeys. You will hear the words
“inspiration” and “hope” used often. Below
are some central Virginia resources. New ones are always becoming
available.
Friends
4 Recovery Whole Health Center
A
self governing consumer-run, mutual support group and Whole Health Center
providing a variety of educational, health related and social activities
Who?
Anyone looking for support and recovery for mental health challenges.
Support
Groups:
1st
and 3rd Fridays, 3-4:40 p.m. Both
English and Español groups
Fun
& Fit Activities
Mon,
Wed, Fri.: 1-6 p.m..
Call
for current calendar of activities.
Where?
Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center
Rockwood
Office Park
9511
Hull Street
Richmond,
VA 23236
Contact:
English: 804-308-1366 or 804-308-1368
Español:
804-307-7653
E-mail
English—friends4recovery@comcast.net
E-mail
Español—friends4recovery@yahoo.com
Richmond Depression – Bipolar Support
Alliance (DBSA)
A
DBSA support group facilitated by an experienced psychiatric nurse.
Who?
Friends, family and consumers with bipolar, depression or schizoaffective
disorder
1st
and 3rd Tuesdays; 7- 9 p.m.
Chippenham
Hospital (7101 Jahnke Rd, Richmond, Va.)
Tucker
Pavilion, Krauss Auditorium or the gym
No
advance sign-up necessary.
Contact:
Ken Farmer 748-0559
vafarmers@att.net
Website:
National organization website: www.dbsalliance.org
Recovery tools, education opportunities,
conferences, webinars, general information
Richmond-Henrico
Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Fun,
loving, caring, nurturing recovery oriented group. Some meetings include
speakers with professional expertise. Offers NAMI Peer-to-Peer trainings
Who:
Anyone suffering with any type of disorder, friends and relatives are welcome
Thursdays
6:30-8:30 pm
Meetings
are set month by month, contact Pat to get reminder call.
Where:
420 Oronoco Ave, Richmond VA 23222
Contact:
Patricia Vaughn, Facilitator, 804-519-5971 or 804-321-1333. Pat is a certified
NAMI Peer-Peer Educator and “In Our Own Voice” speaker
eers
Empowering Peers
Peer
Support and Wellness Education
Who:
Anyone who lives with the challenge of mental illness
2nd
Tuesday of each month 2-3:00 pm
Chester
House, 11814 Chester Rd., Chester, VA
23831
Contact:
Donnie Redford, 804-748-6787, Donnie_redford@yahoo.com
www.Chesterfield Recovery Solutions.org
Mental Wellness Support Group
A support group facilitated by a
psychiatric nurse
Who: Anyone who lives with the challenge
of mental illness
3rd Thursday of each month at
5:30 pm
The Christ Ascension Church,
Laburnum Ave. at
Hermitage Road
Contact: Hugh McGuire 804-784-5181
ichmond Bipolar/Depression/ADD Support Group
Meet with local people suffering from
bipolar disorder, depression, ADD or ADHD for discussion on coping strategies,
general information, support and companionship.
Who:All those who suffer from bipolar,
depression, or ADD and their guests
Thursdays from 6-8:00 p.m.
Hatcher
Memorial Church
2300 Dumbarton Road, Richmond, VA 23228
Contact: The meetup.com website has e-mail
contact information for the organizer and a calendar of events with times and locations.
Go to Meetup.com and search for “Richmond bipolar/depression/add support group”
motions Anonymous
A twelve-step program and support group
Who: Anyone affected by mental or
emotional challenges
Every Friday at 8 p.m.
The Christ Ascension Church, Laburnum
Ave. at Hermitage Road
Contact: Will at 804-288-4319
ll
Around Town Henrico Therapeutic Recreation
Members of this club plan monthly
outings in the community and enjoy a variety of recreational and social
activities.
Who: Adults with a mental health
diagnosis
Contact:
Meghan St. Clair CTRS
804-501-5112
Megan plans events and maintains a
mailing list for anyone interested in this program.
entral
Virginia Peer Connect (CPC)
A regional peer group meeting where
participants can network, share resources, complete group projects, and
facilitate educational topics
Who: Mental health recovery peers and
peer advocates
2nd Tuesday of month, 12:30-2
p.m.
Central
United Methodist Church
1211 Porter Street, Richmond
Contact:
yolande@vocalvirginia.org
Family Advocacy Creating Education &
Services (FACES)
A nonprofit group dedicated to providing
support, services and education
Who: Families and supporters of people
who have experienced mental illness
Support
group on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month.
Monthly
advocacy meeting on the 4th Tuesday each month with guest speakers.
Also has special events and education.
The FACES Center, 11601 Lucks Lane,
Midlothian
Contact: John Ficklin 804-378-0035
www.FACESVA.org, facesorg1@comcast.net
enrico
Family Support Group
Education on mental health coping strategies
and community resources
Who: Families and friends of those with
a mental health diagnosis
1st, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of the
month
Lakeside
House
5623 Lakeside Avenue
Contact: Betty Miller 804-236-8752
irginia Organization of Consumers
Asserting Leadership (VOCAL)
Advocacy, networking, connections,
technical assistance and education
3212 Cutshaw Avenue, Suite 205,
Richmond, VA 23230
Contact:
804-343-1777, 800-862-5638
vocalvirginia.org
email: network@vocalvirginia.org
Mental Health America – Virginia (MHAV)
Education Programs, Advocacy
Who: Mental health consumers
Contact office or website for current
information on programs.
3212 Cutshaw Avenue, Suite 315,
Richmond, VA 23230
Contact:
866-400-6428, 804-257-5591
www.mhav.org
Virginia
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)
DBHDS has been working with a broad
network of stakeholders to transform Virginia’s system to enhance
community-based care for individuals, make overdue infrastructure improvements
to state facilities and change the way services are delivered. Their strategic plans reflect
efforts to fully embrace self-determination, empowerment and recovery for
individuals in the state’s service system. The department has also been further
examining the system and working with state and local leadership to determine
the services that will be needed in the future.
Who: Available to citizens statewide, Virginia’s
public mental health, intellectual disability and substance abuse services
system is comprised of 16 state facilities
and 40 locally-run community services
boards (CSBs) The CSBs and facilities serve children and adults who
have or who are at risk of mental illness, serious emotional disturbance,
intellectual disabilities, or substance use disorders.
Contact: www.dbhds.virginia.gov
Virginia Office of Protection and
Advocacy (VOPA)
The Virginia Office for Protection and
Advocacy (VOPA) helps with disability-related problems like abuse, neglect, and
discrimination. We also help people with disabilities obtain services and
treatment.
1910 Byrd Avenue, Suite 5, Richmond,
VA 23230
Contact: 804-225-2042,
www.vopa.state.va.us
Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Info Line, helps to establish local
support groups, supports scientific research, advocacy, educational materials,
national conferences, newsletters, podcasts
Who: Consumers, their families,
professionals and the public.
Contact: 800-826-3632, dbsalliance.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI offers peer education and support,
raises public awareness and advocates at the state and federal levels.
Who: People with mental illness and
their families.
Contact: 888-999-6264, www.nami.org
Mental Health America
Educating the
public about ways to preserve and strengthen its mental health and providing
support to the 60+ million individuals and families living with mental health
and substance use problems.
Who: Consumers, their families,
professionals and the public.
Contact: www.nmha.org
U.s. Department of
Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA)
Site provides comprehensive information
about mental health services and resources. See help line in “Finding a Counselor”
section.
Who: Consumers, their families,
professionals and the public.
Contact: www.samhsa.gov
Help
and Recovery Strategies:
Living Without
Depression & Manic Depression
by Mary Ellen Copeland
The Depression
Workbook by Mary Ellen Copeland
Wellness
Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) by Mary
Ellen Copeland
Personal
Stories
An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison
Detour by Lizzie Simon
Firewalkers published by VOCAL, Inc.
Strong in the Broken Places by Larry Fricks
Touched With Fire by Kay Redfield Jamison
The WRAP Story by Mary Ellen Copeland
Booklists
Many
websites have pages with book titles and descriptions. For example, www.dbsalliance.org
has a STORE page that contains a BOOKSTORE page at
www.dbsalliance.org/bookstore
Information,
Wellness and Recovery:
Mental Health America
of Virginia
Virginia Organization
of Consumers Asserting Leadership
Copeland Center for
Wellness and Recovery
Depression Bipolar
Support Alliance
The Icarus Project
National Alliance on
Mental Illness
Vermont Recovery site
To Write Love on Her
Arms
Dual
Diagnosis
www.draonline.org
www.spiritworksfoundation.org
www.doubletroubleinrecovery.org
Substance
Abuse
www.AA.org – Alcoholics Anonymous
www.NA.org – Narcotics Anonymous
www.RecoveryItsaGodThing.com
- faith-based recovery
Friends
4 Recovery Whole Health Center
A
new peer-run resource center that has a variety of educational opportunities,
including a class in speaking Spanish
English 804-308-1366, 804-308-1368
Español 804-307-7653
E-mail
in English: friends4recovery@comcast.net
E-mail
in Español: friends4recovery@yahoo.com
Wellness
through Leadership and Technology (WALTT)
Webinars,
discussion lists, video conferencing, social networking, shared picture
gallery, shared calendar, web-conferencing, web meetings
Do
you have specific questions about mental health? Want to learn more about the
consumer empowerment and recovery movements? Interested in online mental health
resources? Post your questions here, and an expert at Mental Health America of
Virginia will get back to you as soon as possible.
Maintained
by the Virginia chapter of Mental Health America (MHAV).
E-mail:
info@mhav.org
www.wellnesswired.org/main/summary
Pathfinders
A
consumer empowerment program for veterans
804-257-5591
www.mhav.org
Brain
Disorders Demystified for Families
A
six-week class
E-mail:
facesorg1@comcast.net
804-738-0035
Advance
Directives
As
of July 1, 2009, the State of Virginia recognizes a mental health advance
directive as part of a medical advance directive legal document.
Contact
VOCAL, NAMI or MHAV websites for training opportunities
Wellness
Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
A
personal and private plan you create for yourself to help you in your recovery
Parts
of WRAP: Wellness Toolbox, Daily Maintenance, What I look like when I’m
healthy, Triggers, Warning Signs, When things are breaking down, Crisis Plan, Post-Crisis Plan
Contact:
VOCAL 804-343-1777, 800-862-5638
E-mail:
network@vocalvirginia.org
Consumer
Empowerment Leadership Training (CELT)
Peer-
taught sessions with guest speakers and group activities: covers citizenship,
advocacy, leadership and organizational skills
Scholarships
available
Contact:
MHAV at 866-400-6428 or 804-257-5591
Quest
A
program to assist individuals in exploring their assets and needs as well as
considering and planning for their own personal wellness
Helping participants to review their
individual styles, values, strengths, dreams, expectations, resilience and
hurdles and to improve skills related to communication, cooperation and mutual
support
Scholarships
available
Contact:
MHAV at 866-400-6428 or 804-257-5591
NAMI
Peer-to-Peer Education Course
9-week
education course on mental illness
Free. Membership not required
Visit
www.nami.org or phone NAMI helpline
800-950-NAMI (6242)
E-mail:
info@nami.org