Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board

Wellness Circle is an alternative to psychiatric hospitalization offering a holistic approach to mental health crisis stabilization treatment. Individuals participate in individualized, trauma informed, person-centered intensive programming. What is the Wellness Circle? The Wellness Circle Crisis Stabilization Unit is a 16-bed community-based residential program that provides an alternative to psychiatric hospitalization. Designed for adults experiencing acute psychiatric crises, the program offers up to 21 days of intensive, personalized support in a safe and therapeutic setting. Our clinical team specializes in psychiatric stabilization and medically managed detox, offering tailored care for individuals with co-occurring substance use, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. We also offer a Trauma Resilience Program, blending individual and group therapy with evidence-based, neurobiologically-informed interventions. This program helps reduce symptoms, restore safety and stability, and foster hope. To support healing, we integrate diverse therapies such as pet therapy, gardening, art, music and AcuDetox. Residents participate in two therapy sessions daily and up to seven hours of structured programming. The length of stay is guided by the resolution of the immediate crisis, medical stability and readiness for ongoing recovery services. Who in the community is eligible? To be eligible for services, an individual must be: At least 18 years old. Experiencing a mental health crisis. Willing to voluntarily to receive treatment and psychiatric stabilization. A resident of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun or Prince William counties or the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax or Falls Church. How to Access Services? To access services at the Wellness Circle Crisis Stabilization Unit, individuals should contact the Emergency Services unit of their local Community Services Board: Alexandria — 703-746-3401 Arlington — 703-228-5160 Fairfax-Falls Church — 703-573-5679 Loudoun — 703-777-0320 Prince William — Manassas: 703-792-7800)   Woodbridge: 703-792-4900  What is the outcome or improvement in people’s lives after they’ve received this service? Individuals who complete treatment at Wellness Circle often report feeling more hopeful, grounded and connected — both to themselves and to their support systems. Many experience: Reduced anxiety and PTSD symptoms. Improved emotional regulation. Fewer suicidal thoughts and psychotic symptoms. Greater self-awareness and understanding of their mental health. A more positive and empowered outlook on life. Most importantly, nearly all participants leave with a personalized follow-up care plan that supports their continued recovery journey. Preliminary program outcomes also indicate strong results in promoting stabilization, safety and healing. What is a favorite success story? One of our most inspiring success stories comes from a former client who visited Wellness Circle multiple times before finding lasting stability. Today, they enjoy a thriving career and haven’t needed to return in several years. Here, in their own words, they reflect on their journey: “To my surprise, no matter how many times I came to Crisis Care, I was always met with compassion — and no one ever gave up on me. Their hope gave me the courage to start believing in myself. Recovery stopped feeling like an impossible dream and became something real, modeled by others in my community. If they could do it, so could I, I just needed to learn how. “I realized that effort mattered more than perfection. Even if I struggled, showing up and trying meant I was moving forward. Life is full of choices and I had to face the hardest one: choosing to stop being passive in my own life. “The most difficult but powerful lesson I learned was Radical Acceptance — understanding that while I cannot change the past, I don’t have to suffer because of it. Acceptance gave me peace, grace and the freedom to see that my past does not define my future. “Today, I hold onto three things: hope that life can get better, agency that I can create that life, and acceptance that I can let go of what I cannot change. I don’t know exactly where my path will lead but I do know this: recovery is not only possible, it’s probable.” Stories like this remind us why compassionate, person-centered care matters and why we remain committed to walking alongside each individual on their path to recovery.

Each September, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) joins organizations across the country in recognizing National Recovery Month — an annual observance dedicated to increasing awareness around mental health and substance use recovery. This month serves as a powerful reminder to reduce stigma, celebrate the strength and resilience of individuals in recovery, and inspire hope throughout our communities. Here in Fairfax and Falls Church, we proudly stand with the national recovery movement to promote understanding and affirm that recovery is possible for everyone. Actions to Support and Sustain Recovery Recovery is a journey, not a destination. For those in recovery, maintaining progress requires consistency, self-awareness and community support. Here are some critical actions, outlined by the CSB’s clinical team, to reinforce your path: Build a Strong Support Network: Surround yourself with people who uplift, encourage and hold you accountable. Consider connecting with a recovery coach or joining a local peer support group like those offered by the CSB. Establish Healthy Routines: Prioritize habits that center around your mental and physical health. The CSB promotes wellness through tools such as mindfulness workshops and skills-building groups. Sign up for a class today! Learn About Relapse Prevention: Stay connected to your treatment program or therapist, and take advantage of educational resources. The CSB offers relapse prevention strategies through its Substance Use Recovery Services. Practice Self-Compassion: Recovery is not always a straight line. Setbacks are common but can be reframed as learning moments alongside proper support. Ways to Support Someone Battling Mental Health or Substance Use Challenges Whether a loved one is just beginning their recovery journey or actively seeking wellness, your support can make a meaningful difference. Listen Without Judgment: Giving space for your loved one to share openly can be transformative. Encourage Professional Help: You can help connect loved ones to services like our Detoxification and Stabilization Programs. Support with Boundaries: Balancing compassion with accountability is key. Offer support without enabling behaviors that may interfere with recovery. Stay Informed: Participate in Mental Health First Aid training hosted by the CSB to better understand how to help in a crisis. Mark Your Calendar: Celebrate National Recovery Month with Us Join the CSB for upcoming events in honor of Recovery Month: Wellness Resource Fair: Pathways to Recovery Join us for a dynamic resource fair, offering a wealth of local services and support to guide you on your wellness journey. When: September 19, 2025 – 2:00 p.m. Where: Gum Spring Community, 8100 Fordson Road, Alexandria, VA 22306 Virtual Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Education Training Learn how to save a life in cases of opioid overdose by attending this free naloxone training session. When: Multiple offerings throughout the year Spread Awareness in Your Own Networks Share this story or links to CSB resources within your networks. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also offers a toolkit with resources to learn more and share hopeful messages. CSB Resources for Recovery and Wellness The road to recovery may have challenges but support is always available. The CSB offers a variety of resources to meet you or a loved one where you are: If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance use crisis, call the Fairfax Detoxification Center 24/7 at 703-502-7000, TTY 703-322-9080. For emergency mental health or substance use services, walk-in services are available 24/7 at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health or call 703-573-5679 TTY 711. For CSB Non-Emergency Behavioral Health Services, call CSB Entry & Referral at 703-383-8500 TTY 771, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may also walk-in at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Not sure where to begin? Call our Entry & Referral Services at 703-383-8500 to speak with someone who can help connect you to the right resources.

As students and their families transition back to school, Fairfax County has an array of mental health resources and supportive services to assist them both inside and outside of the classroom. The county is committed to promoting youth wellness and providing access to professional help, when needed. The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), Healthy Minds Fairfax, and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) can assist in providing students and their families the support they need to thrive. Help Finding Care Providers Healthy Minds Fairfax coordinates a range of mental health and substance use services for children and youth across multiple county agencies, the school system and private treatment providers. Among its available resources are free Youth Care Navigation Services, designed to help families of children, teens and young adults (up to age 22) navigate the process of finding appropriate, local mental health and substance use treatment services. Youth Care Navigation Services offers two ways to get connected to care: Free personal Care Navigators are available to help assess a family’s specific needs, identify available local resources, and assist in breaking down barriers such as insurance or logistical challenges. To connect with someone ready to help you find help, call 703-468-0040 or email youthcarenav@hopelinkbh.org. There is also an online search platform that allows users to find a range of treatment options and mental health tools in the community. Families can filter search results by various criteria, including provider location, age group, type of treatment needed and whether insurance is accepted.

Every year on August 31, communities around the world observe International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)—a solemn yet powerful occasion to remember lives lost to overdose, acknowledge the grief of loved ones left behind, and raise awareness about overdose prevention. This global event shines a spotlight on the devastating impact of substance use challenges, while also breaking down stigma surrounding addiction and recovery. It’s a day to honor the resilience of those affected by addiction, celebrate the progress being made, and recommit to providing hope, support, and prevention strategies for those who need it most. International Overdose Awareness Day honors the resilience of those affected by addiction, celebrates the progress being made, and recommits to providing hope, support, and prevention strategies for those who need it most. Everyone has a role to play in saving lives. IOAD reminds us that even small steps—like education, compassion, and advocacy—can make a world of difference. The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) works with local partners to reduce overdose from opioids. In addition, Fairfax County provides many resources to stay informed about the current climate of opioids throughout the county. Services Offered at the CSB The CSB offers treatment, detoxification, and recovery supports for people struggling with substance use. Some of these services include: Emergency and Crisis Services Services 24 hours a day, seven days a week for individuals in acute distress or who need immediate help. Behavioral Health Outpatient and Case Management Services provided to empower individuals to live effectively with community support. Addiction Medicine Clinic An outpatient clinic providing treatment to reduce cravings and further use of opioids and other substances. Detoxification Services A short-term residential program to help safely withdrawal from the effects of drugs and alcohol. Residential Treatment Comprehensive services with 24-hour supervision, including individual and group therapy, psychiatric services, medication management, case management, and continuing care services to help transition back to the community. How to Take Action Learn and Share – The International Overdose Awareness Day website has information about overdose and prevention resources. Check out this information and start a conversation with someone in your community. Carry or Use Naloxone (Narcan) – Learn how to use Naloxone, a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses—and keep it on hand. Take a Class – The Wellness Health Promotion and Prevention programs and initiatives provide several opportunities to gain skills that could help save a life. Get started, register for an Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Education (REVIVE! Kit) Training or Mental Health First Aid class. Wear Purple – Did you know that purple was selected as the official color for Recovery Month (September) as well as International Overdose Awareness Day? Wear purple on August 31st to show your commitment and support. Join the Movement to Save Lives As we commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day, let us commit to turning awareness into action. Preventing overdose starts with education, compassion, and access to care. Whether it’s learning how to administer Narcan, sharing information about local resources, or simply extending kindness to those in need, we all have the power to make a difference. On this day and every day, let’s create a community where recovery is always possible. Together, we can save lives. To Access CSB Services For CSB Non-Emergency Behavioral Health Services, call CSB Entry & Referral at 703-383-8500 TTY 771, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may also walk-in at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For emergency mental health or substance use services, walk-in services are available 24/7 at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health or call 703-573-5679 TTY 711. If someone with a developmental disability is experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis, call REACH, a 24/7 regional crisis stabilization and crisis prevention service for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities, at 855-897-8278. If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance use crisis, call the Fairfax Detoxification Center 24/7 at 703-502-7000, TTY 703-322-9080.