Someone trying to get a mental health evaluation can now walk into any of the state’s community services boards and get one right away, instead of waiting days or even weeks for an appointment. It’s a dramatic shift that the state has been working towards for years.

Across Virginia, there’s a network of state-run clinics called community services boards. They provide mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services.

Thanks to extra funding, they’ll no longer have to turn people away. Mira Signer, with Virginia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, says by the time someone reaches out for help it’s important they’re not told to come back later.

“It’s critical. You want to be there for them. And welcome them, and engage them right away,” she says.

Signer says offering an initial same day assessment makes it more likely someone will follow through, get connected to treatment, and come back for follow-up appointments.

“You may be able to prevent an unnecessary hospitalization,” Signer explains.

Lawmakers set the goal of implementing same day services in 2017. In 2018 they upped the funding to make it possible statewide.

 
 This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.