Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery
Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery (APPR) is a self-directed recovery and wellness program that promotes personal awareness, health, and life transformation. APPR is designed to help individuals learn self-help concepts, skills, and strategies from trained facilitators. While this program was initially designed for people with mental health and/or substance use disorders in mind, APPR is beneficial for anyone seeking a more manageable life.
Sessions are free and routinely occur on most Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the MHAfred office, located at 150 Olde Greenwich Drive, Suite 102, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22408. Drop-ins are welcome to attend. Please check our calendar to confirm that the session is scheduled.
Please note that there will be NO SESSION on these Saturdays:
- April 26, 2025
- May 3, 2025: Consider joining us at the 2025 Walk for Mental Wellness.
Looking for a support group?
MHAfred offers online adult support groups that are peer-led and facilitated by Virginia-Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS).
Trying to make your first appointment with a behavioral health clinician?
MHAfred HELPLINE directory is the most current resource available. Find a provider that meets your needs, including the insurance they accept, services offered, and whether they are accepting new clients. There are a few ways to find the help you need:
- You can search 24/7 using our MHAfred HELPLINE Directory yourself.
- Submit a request for MHAfred to email you results that meet your needs.
- Contact us directly at (540) 371-2704 or email mhafred@mhafred.org for confidential assistance.
All of the above services are provided to the community at no cost. If you are able, consider supporting MHAfred to continue our work. DONATE TODAY
Free Lance-Star: Every servicemember knows ‘someone who has died by suicide’
On February 16, 2025, the following article, written by Cathy Dyson, was in the Free Lance-Star. From the article:
“For me, it’s gutting because I have family members who are veterans,” said Barb Barlow, executive director of Mental Health America Fredericksburg Region.
Stress in America: Impact on Youth
“Subject matter experts have recommendations but MHAfred also wants to hear directly from the teens we are trying to help. Sign up to get more information about the upcoming conference – Amplifying Youth Voices – tell us what you need and how we can help.” Barb Barlow, Executive Director of Mental Health America Fredericksburg Region
Support Groups with Mary Washington Grief Support Services
Grief support remains a vital service needed across our community, and many followers of MHAfred have expressed their interest in and need for grief support groups. Meeting this significant demand for these resources, we are pleased to share that Mary Washington Grief Support Services has restarted some grief support groups and will continue to provide these services for free.
Loss of a Partner/Spouse Grief Support Group
Start Date: February 20, 2025 | Time: 10:00 – 11:00 am | Pre-Registration Required | Cost: Free
This support group will help to inform attendees about the grief process after losing a spouse. Mary Washington Grief Support Services will also educate people on coping with that grief and give them a safe space to support each other while sharing memories. This group will serve as an opportunity to be with others grieving a similar loss. While pre-registration is required, these groups are free and ongoing.
The groups will start meeting on February 20th and will continue to meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Meetings will take place on the Mary Washington Hospital Campus. Again, pre-registration is required. Please contact Mary Beaven to begin the registration process and receive more details about this group.
Contact: Mary Beaven, LCSW
Email: Mary.Beaven@mwhc.com
Phone Number: 540.205.0502
Loss Due to Suicide/Overdose Group
Start Date: March 10, 2025 – May 5, 2025 | Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm | Pre-Registration Required | Cost: Free
The Loss Due to Suicide/Overdose Group is an 8-week support group organized by Mary Washington Grief Support Services for those who have experienced the death of a loved one due to suicide or overdose. This support group will provide information about the grief process and various coping methods. The group will also allow individuals to share their stories, memories, and grief in a safe place. This group will also provide a place to come together with others who have experienced a similar loss. Space is limited to 10 people, so register as soon as possible to secure your spot.
This group will meet on Mondays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. starting March 10, 2025, and ending May 5, 2025, at the Mary Washington Hospital Campus. Pre-registration is required for this group. Please contact Mary Beaven, a licensed clinical social worker, to begin registration and receive more details about this group.
Contact: Mary Beaven, LCSW
Email: Mary.Beaven@mwhc.com
Phone Number: 540.205.0502
If these support groups are not the right fit for you at this time and you are seeking help, please check out the MHAfred HELPLINE to find a licensed mental health provider that is tailored to your unique circumstances.
Celebrate an Alcohol Free Galentine’s Day with Ironclad Inn
Galentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate friendship, laughter, and love with your favorite ladies! This year, why not elevate your gathering with some delightful 0% cocktails, also known as mocktails? These refreshing drinks offer the complexity and flavor of traditional cocktails without alcohol, making them a fantastic option for everyone.