May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Beginning in 1949 and observed every year in May, Mental Health Awareness Month is a good time to become familiar with the services that exist to support the millions of people impacted by mental health issues, help fight stigma and get support if needed. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly one in five people experience a mental health concern each year. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, you are not alone and resources are available. This month is an opportunity for all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability.
Resources from Local Sources
Fairfax County Mental Health Matters training and videos
2022 Mental Health Awareness Resources
Points of Light Article
ELLIE LEBLOND SOSA SHARES HOW MENTAL HEALTH BUILDS BETTER COMMUNITIES
To recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, Points of Light connected with Ellie LeBlond Sosa, granddaughter of President George H.W. Bush and Executive Director of Events at BB&R Wellness, to discuss our recent global civic engagement research and the lasting impact the global pandemic has had on the mental health of respondents around the world.
Volunteer Opportunities to Engage
Our new and searchable Volunteer Management system has a live list of ongoing ways to make a difference in your community while working at an organization geared towards mental health. Explore the opportunities here.
Mental Health Services
- CSB Entry & Referral Services – call Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 703-383-8500, or come directly to the Merrifield Center (8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax)
- Catholic Charities – faith-based individual, couples and family counseling, 703-841-2531, ccda.net
- Center for Psychological Services (George Mason University) – sliding fee scale, psychoeducational testing and mental health evaluations, therapy for individuals, families, couples and group therapy, 703-993-1370, psyclinic.gmu.edu
- Haven of Northern Virginia – free grief counseling, 703-941-7000, havenofnova.org
- Northern Virginia Family Service – individual, couples and family counseling, 571-748-2500, nvfs.org
- PRS Inc. – outpatient therapy for individuals, 703-531-6302; Recovery Academy, 12-week psychoeducation program for mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorder, 703-531-6300, prsinc.org
- Regional Older Adult Facilities Mental Health Support Team – intensive multidisciplinary mental health treatment for older adults (age 65 or older) with severe mental illness, 703-228-1700, aging-disability.arlingtonva.us/programs/raft
- Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration – national directory of substance use disorder and mental health resources, samhsa.gov/find-treatment
- The Women’s Center – mental health counseling for individuals, couples and families; support and education, 703-281-2657, thewomenscenter.org