Partnership to improve mental health

Virginia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), the National Council for Behavioral Health, and the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards (VACSB) formed a joint partnership to help improve the quality of and access to mental health services across the Commonwealth.  Most noteworthy is that Virginia is now an “all in” state, which means that DBHDS and all of Virginia’s 40 CSBs have access to the National Council for Behavioral Health’s wealth of resources and expertise.

“This partnership with DBHDS, VACSB, and the National Council for Behavioral Health reflects DBHDS’s strong commitment to bringing the best resources and support to Virginia’s behavioral health system,” said Dr. Debra Ferguson, DBHDS Commissioner.  “Together we will transform and improve our state’s behavioral health access, quality, delivery, and outcomes.”

“The Virginia Association of Community Services Boards and its members recognize the value of the National Council’s many offerings, from conferences to technical assistance to tailored web-based training, and are proud to make Virginia an ‘all in’ membership state through a partnership arrangement with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services,” said Jennifer Faison, Executive Director of Virginia Association of Community Services Boards.  “We look forward to drawing on the National Council’s expertise as Virginia’s system of care for individuals with behavioral health issues continues to seek innovative ways to help people lead safe, happy and productive lives in their own communities.”

“We are very pleased to welcome the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services into the National Council’s network of 2,200 member organizations,” said Linda Rosenberg, President and CEO of the National Council for Behavioral Health. “This marks an important milestone for the National Council and with our partners in Virginia we commit to the availability of services of the highest quality to all in need, ensuring that behavioral health is a strong contributor to improving the health of our communities.”

This comprehensive partnership will improve mental health services for thousands of Virginians across the state.  This latest development is also part of Commissioner Ferguson’s strategic plan to reform and improve DBHDS’s services, resources, and support.

DBHDS, VACSB, and the National Council for Behavioral Health have a strong and dedicated history of helping individuals who struggle with mental illness.  DBHDS is comprised of 40 community services boards (CSBs) and 15 state facilities.  The National Council for Behavioral Health (National Council) is the unifying voice of America’s community mental health and substance use treatment organizations.  VACSB represents all of Virginia’s CSBs and behavioral health authorities in state and federal public policy matters, including state and federal funding, legislation and regulation.