Support Services
MHAfred’s direct services are non-clinical, evidence-based information and activities providing individuals with resources to improve their health, recovery, resiliency, and wellness.
For both youth and adults, MHAfred recommends the series 8 Dimensions of Mental Wellness developed by PsychU. Within this workbook are QR Codes linking to videos and more resources. This a free resource available through a PsychU membership.
For more information about the benefits of peer support, check out the video below from PsychU.
Support Services for Youth
Support Services for Youth
All direct services for youth are evidence-based, such as Signs of Suicide, the curriculum MHAfred licenses from MindWise for use in our Suicide Prevention Education program.
Furthermore, any support groups or therapy for youth are conducted through partnerships with licensed mental health providers.
See the MHAfred Blog, Strategic Supporters Helping At-Risk Teens.
Support Groups for Adults
At MHAfred, adult support groups are peer-led and facilitated by Virginia Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS). For more information about this process, see the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) white paper, Virginia PRS Certification and Registration Pathways. To register for training to become a PRS, check out the Virginia Peer Recovery Specialist Portal.
MHAfred employees and volunteers who conduct support groups are also Rappahannock Area Peer Development and Support (RAPDS) members. This group’s mission is to provide peer specialists with professional and personal development across the Rappahannock region. Furthermore, MHAfred partners with RAPDS to promote available local services for mental health and substance use disorder recovery.
For our current support groups and services, click here!
MHAfred Partnerships with Local CPRS
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist – If you are a CPRS and would like to partner with MHAfred, which may include having your Support Group listed among MHAfred HELPLINE resources, please email documents to MHAfred’s Operations Manager from the ABOUT US section of the website. Initially, documents would include proof of certification status in good standing with Virginia, information about the support group provided, and three professional references – not attendees of the support group, which compromises confidentiality.
MHAfred Volunteer Opportunities with Peer Recovery Specialists
Peer Recovery Specialist – If you are a PRS, completing your 500 hours of service, MHAfred provides opportunities across all care domains when volunteering to assist with delivering MHAfred Support Groups. Please email a letter of interest and documents to MHAfred’s Operations Manager from the ABOUT US section of the website. Initially, documents would include proof of PRS status in good standing with Virginia, three professional references, and a letter of interest that also shares your aligned lived experience with the support group.