As the oldest mental health advocacy organization in Virginia, our mission is to educate, empower, a
MHAV's direct services empower an individual seeking wellness, and include the statewide, peer run Warm Line for mental health support, recovery education, peer support groups, and a professional network for peer recovery specialists. We advocate for a better mental health system and public understanding that mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health.
04/22/2026
Each bill outcome carries real impact for Virginia communities, shaping access, services, and support systems. Our legislative tracker is now updated so you can follow what passed, what didn’t, and what it means moving forward.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger has called a special session for April 23 to bring lawmakers back to Richmond to finalize Virginia’s 2026–2028 state budget. Negotiators did not reach a budget agreement by the end of the March 14 legislative session, with key disagreements remaining around a proposed tax break for data centers, though they remain hopeful about reaching a compromise before the July 1 fiscal year deadline.
Stay engaged—share this with others who should know, and support our work if you’re able. Link in bio for our legislative tracker!
04/16/2026
04/08/2026
Check out our latest blog post going over the conclusion of the 2026 Virginia General Assembly! Link in bio.
“Mental Health Virginia monitored over 100 bills during this session; you can see which ones per our legislative tracker. MHV also participated in several workgroups, collaborating with diverse community stakeholders on a range of initiatives aimed at improving quality of life and expanding access to mental health support for Virginians. These bills collectively push for a system that is more compassionate, more equitable, and more accessible – one that recognizes health conditions (mental, cognitive, and physical) as central to how laws, insurance, and care systems should operate.” Written by: Kiersten ‘KiKi’ Szymecki, MSW Policy Intern
03/26/2026
🌟 March is National Social Work Month! 🌟
Meet Kiersten “KiKi” Szymecki, our MSW intern, in our latest blog post she reminds us: “We walk alongside our communities, understanding our positionality, and with that awareness, we intentionally engage in ways that center the voices of those we serve.” 💛
Tap the link in our bio to read the full Latest Update! ✨
03/04/2026
National Sleep Week + World Sleep Day = your reminder that rest is productive.
Sleep impacts anxiety, depression, burnout, immune health, and even decision-making. If you’ve been running on empty, this is your sign to prioritize rest.
Visit the link in our bio and check out the MHV Resources Google Doc to explore tools and research on how sleep supports mental and overall health. 🌙
02/25/2026
Our next (Re)Store webinar registration is live!
02/12/2026
February is Heart Health Month ❤️ a good reminder that mental health isn’t separate from physical health! Depression can impact heart health, and heart disease can affect mood.
Our minds and bodies are deeply connected.
Let’s commit to treating the whole person, not just the symptoms 🧠❤️
02/12/2026
February is Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions, leadership, and lasting impact of Black leaders, advocates, and community members throughout history and within the mental health system.
Systemic racism doesn’t take a month off. We remain committed to challenging inequities and dismantling harmful practices - not just in February, but every day.
Check the link in our bio ‘MHV Resources- Google Doc’ for follow up information, mental health wellness tips, and more!
02/09/2026
Mental Health Virginia was mentioned in a recent joint news release from and highlighting winter mental health supports across the Commonwealth. The release specifically lifts up MHV’s peer-run Warm Lineas a resource for people who aren’t in crisis but want someone to talk to or need mental health resources.
Get the article link in our bio to read more, complete with helpful tips to care for your mental health this season!
02/02/2026
The Virginia General Assembly is in session for 2026! Follow our online chart to see what MHV is tracking, the current status of those bills, and what our legislative priorities are for this year.
01/21/2026
On Monday, Acting Executive Director Rita Utz had the honor of serving as an ambassador with Voices for Virginia’s Children at Intergenerational Advocacy Day. Youth from across Virginia came together at the General Assembly to advocate for legislative priorities, including school-based mental health services for K–12 students!
12/30/2025
As we reflect on 2025, we’re grateful for the impact we made together supporting mental health in Virginia. With a few days left in the year, your support helps ensure this work continues into 2026! Please follow the link in our bio to make a contribution towards our mission today.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Mental Health Virginia posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV) is best known for its recovery education trainings, including CELT & QUEST. We also run the Statewide, Peer-Run Warm Line for Virginians as well as support the professional development network for peer recovery specialists in the Commonwealth (the Virginia Peer Recovery Specialist Network or VPRSN). All our programs are geared toward improving a person's mental health and empowering an individual seeking wellness.
Founded in 1937, MHAV is the oldest mental health advocacy organization in Virginia. We have been associated with our national affiliate since 1951, and we work closely with service providers and peers to complement an individual’s recovery. Our programs include educational retreats for people of lived experience with mental health and/or substance use issues and trauma who are now on a recovery path; a Warm Line telephone service for anyone in Virginia who needs a listening ear or wants a service referral in the state; a professional development network to support Virginia’s peer recovery specialists; and expand advocacy and educational campaigns that promote the voice of people with lived experience to change public policies for the betterment of all Virginians’ lives.
MISSION: To educate, empower and advocate on behalf of individuals, communities and organizations to improve mental health and reduce the conditions which impede mental wellness.
VISION: MHAV’s vision is that all people in Virginia achieve optimal mental wellness.
MHAV advocates for public and private sector services and financing to ensure adequate and appropriate detection, treatment, housing, and rehabilitation programs. MHAV collaborates with consumers, families of consumers, mental health professionals, providers and the public to ensure that policy makers and stakeholders are aware of the concerns and needs of people in recovery.
MHAV also educates the public about mental health and mental wellness to eliminate the stigma which prevents people from receiving the help they need.
MHAV holds educational retreats for people in recovery and hosts a Warm Line for anyone in Virginia with questions about mental health and the services they can access.
