Behavioral Health
To keep Virginians healthy and thriving in their communities, DMAS recognizes the need to focus on proactive and preventive care for mental illness. In 2019, DMAS and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) outlined a new set of behavioral health services to serve our Medicaid members. DMAS and DBHDS selected services that have demonstrated success and value to individuals across the nation. DMAS is proud to provide coverage of these community-based services for adult and youth Medicaid members. These services give our members new options that help them avoid hospital stays. For example, the new intensive community services help youth (ages 11-18) get the treatment and family support they need to live at home and stay in school. The new intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs offer new options for support during the day at a clinic without staying overnight. The new crisis services for youth and adults support and stabilize the individual prior to, during and following a crisis.
The new services include:
- Mobile crisis response teams
- Short-term crisis supports
- 23-hours of observation
- Short-term intervention services
- Partial hospitalization during daytime hours
- Intense outpatient therapy and counseling a few times a week
- Community-based team supports for adults experiencing serious mental illness
View the fact sheets and resources below for more information.
Fact Sheets
- Fact Sheet for Members – Describes the 9 new services available to Members
- Fact Sheet for Members – Spanish
- Poster – For providers, advocates and others to share awareness about the services
- Poster – Spanish
- Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS) Fact Sheet
- Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services (ARTS) Fact Sheet – Spanish
Resources
- December 1, 2021, Press Release: Virginia Offers New Behavioral Health Services for Adults and Youth
- July 27, 2021, Press Release: Virginia Launches Enhanced Behavioral Health Services for Medicaid Members
- Community Services Board (CSB): Find support in your local region by contacting a Community Services Board near you. A CSB, also referred to as a Behavioral Health Authority, is a local provider of supports to individuals with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual disabilities and/or developmental disabilities.
- Children's Services Act (CSA): The Children's Services Act is a Virginia law created to fund and develop mental health services, behavioral supports, and other services for eligible children and their families. Find information for parents and families on CSA eligibility, and learn more about the CSA process.
- Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS): DBHDS is a state agency that supports individuals by promoting recovery, self-determination and wellness in all aspects of life.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. With more than 600 local affiliates, they work in the community to raise awareness and provide mental health support and education.
- Marcus Alert: Named for Marcus-David Peters, Marcus Alert teams aim to provide a behavioral health response to individuals experiencing a crisis related to mental health, substance use or developmental disability challenges. The teams are currently located in Richmond, Virginia Beach, Prince William County, Bristol and Washington County, and five counties in northern Piedmont, with plans to expand statewide in the next few years.
Department of Medical Assistance Services
600 East Broad Street,
Richmond,
Virginia. 23219.
