| Says NAMI Northern Virginia’s Executive Director, Rebecca Kiessling, ““Across our area, the shortage of beds and resources for psychiatric patients has accelerated, “leading to bottlenecking in our emergency rooms and long admission and wait times. 46 percent of Americans have had to themselves, or know someone who has had to, drive more than an hour each way to seek mental health treatment. Stigmas regarding mental health persist and many in Northern Virginia still do not view mental health as being equally as important as physical health. But amidst these hardships, this incredible partnership brings us HOPE.”
This new facility, which VHC Health will purchase and transform, includes 5.8 acres at 610 S. Carlin Springs Rd., and will house expanded mental health services – a 24-bed adult unit, a 24-bed adolescent unit, a 24-bed recovery & wellness unit, and five outpatient programs, including an Adult Intensive Outpatient Program, Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, Recovery & Wellness Intensive Outpatient Program, Adult Partial Hospitalization Program, and an Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic. The expanded program will also include a 14-bed geriatric behavioral health unit on the hospital’s main campus to continue to serve those patients in need of a higher level of medical care.
Arlington County has a long history of supporting mental health in the community, and in its support of and involvement with NAMI Northern Virginia. Strong advocates of peer involvement at every level, peers can be found in service delivery, decision making and advisory capacities, and in staff positions throughout the County. The input of peers with lived experience with area mental health facilities and programs were critical as plans for this partnership were being developed.
“What VHC Health is giving to Arlington County is the ability for the families of those with mental illness to stay connected in their community as they help their loved ones. It allows those moving into recovery a chance to feel better supported and have a better
opportunity to receive continued care. Since the 1960s, a community-based approach to mental health has been the ideal model and VHC Health and Arlington County have proven their commitment to this community,” continues Kiessling.
VHC Health plans on breaking ground on its new facility in late 2023 or early 2024 and expects construction to be complete in late 2025.
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