Transforming Behavioral Health Care Across Virginia
Under the Right Help, Right Now plan, DBHDS has expanded crisis care, reduced overdose deaths, and improved access for those with developmental disabilities. These highlights are just part of the transformational progress underway.
Expanded Crisis Beds
Crisis care infrastructure has expanded dramatically, with 663 beds now available across receiving centers, stabilization units, and therapeutic homes—up from just 216 before Right Help, Right Now.
More Mobile Crisis Teams
Mobile crisis response capacity has more than doubled, with over 100 teams now operating statewide 24/7 and responding in under 50 minutes—up from just 34 teams in 2022.
Reduced Fentanyl Deaths
Fentanyl deaths in Virginia fell 46% since 2021, including a 44% year-over-year drop as of April 2024, when Virginia led the nation in overdose death reduction. Progress reflects law enforcement efforts, naloxone expansion, nearly 100,000 REVIVE! trainings, and the It Only Takes One campaign.
Increased Waiver Capacity
Developmental disability waiver capacity grew from 16,939 to 21,479 slots, with a $300 million investment aimed at reducing the Priority 1 waitlist—which stood at 3,440 when the allocation was identified—and expanding access to critical services for those with the most urgent needs.
Expanded 988 Crisis Calls
988 crisis services have expanded statewide, boosting monthly call volume from 5,500 to over 19,000 and improving response through new staffing models, metrics, and real-time tools.
Virginia Crisis Connect
The system now connects 427 providers and 4,656 users, streamlining crisis response statewide. Since February 2025, 1,595 individuals were placed through its referral tool, reducing ED delays and improving coordination.
