Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board

"I have seen people come into the program with very little and they left married, employed, housed, and healthy. That’s what motivates me to show up to work every day!" – Jamie Hurd, Docket Coordinator, Veterans Treatment Docket A Q&A with Jamie Hurd, Docket Coordinator for the Veterans Treatment Docket. Jamie Hurd has worked with the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board’s Veterans Treatment Docket for the past six years. We recently sat down with Jamie to gain a deeper understanding of the unique mental health and substance use challenges that veterans face – especially when they may have involvement with the criminal justice system. Q: What is the Veterans Treatment Docket? A: The Veterans Treatment Docket is a specialized program in the Jail-Based Services Division at the CSB that focuses on veterans’ mental health and substance use recovery. Recognizing the toll on veterans that accompanies military service, the docket’s mission is to serve the community and increase public safety by integrating and incorporating a coordinated treatment response for justice-involved veterans with substance abuse and/or mental health issues. The program’s goal is for these veterans to return to the community as healthy, goal-oriented individuals. Q: That’s a great service! So, what is your involvement with veterans? A: My involvement with veterans is two-fold. First, I am a child of the military. I grew up with parents who both served in the United States Navy, so I had the opportunity to witness firsthand, the unique, and sometimes hidden qualities, of what it means to serve in the armed forces. Secondly, as a former military dependent, I feel divinely led to pursue a career that supports veterans and their healing journey. In my role as Docket Coordinator for the Veterans Treatment Docket, I complete the daily administrative requirements for our high- and low-risk tracks that are attached to two different courts. Before becoming Docket Coordinator, I was a Treatment Coordinator with the docket where I was the liaison between treatment providers and the courts. I conducted clinical assessments for veterans entering the docket to determine appropriate level of care and collaborated with treatment providers to identify behaviors or substance use patterns that could be targeted in treatment. Q: I’m sure that’s a very validating role to fulfill. Based on your experience, what would you say is the most important thing to consider when working with a veteran? A: I think it’s important to recognize that there’s a distinct culture within the military, but it’s critical to remember that every veteran has an incredibly individual experience. This is important because you don’t want to assume just because someone is a veteran, that they all come from the same experience. Each branch of service has its own culture and it’s important as a service provider to study and understand each culture, so they feel understood, seen and more comfortable sharing during treatment sessions and case management appointments. Also, it’s common for alcohol to be present in military culture, so it’s valuable to consider the social role alcohol may have played in an individual’s story that could have led to their legal situation. This consideration also helps us determine the most appropriate services to offer to the veteran that will give them the highest chance of recovery. Q: That’s very helpful. How is the CSB ensuring veterans are being served with due diligence? A: At the CSB, every individual screened for services is asked if they have ever served in the military. We also recognize the importance of word choice. For example, some individuals may not identify as a “veteran” even though they have served in the military. So, we make sure to use language that is easier to identify and associate with. Additionally, it’s important that we engage in conversation with veterans about their relationship with their military status. This is pivotal in understanding how their identity is shaped and how to provide service to them. Q: What’s the most valuable thing your team offers veterans? A: A second chance. The docket offers treatment, but it’s so much more than that. We’re giving our justice-involved veterans, men and women who chose to serve our country, another opportunity to get it right. I have seen people come into the program with very little and they left married, employed, housed, and healthy. That’s what motivates me to show up to work every day! Q: If someone has a veteran in their life that they’d like to offer support to, what would you share with them? A: Approach the veteran you love with compassion, not expectations or judgement. Understand that veterans may be hesitant to ask for help and may carry feelings of shame. Conversation topics like PTSD can be emotionally heavy, so it’s important to be patient, kind, and sensitive to signs that they may not be ready to talk. Even if they aren’t ready to open up, keep showing up – your presence alone can mean more than words.   To all veterans and their loved ones: Thank you for your service, dedication and sacrifice. If you, or a veteran you know, is in need of crisis support, reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1.   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. Contact Information For media inquiries, contact CSBCommunications@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Fairfax Falls-Church Community Services Board is updating security procedures for people visiting the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health (8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive Fairfax, VA, 22031). These new procedures are intended to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. Beginning on Saturday, November 1, 2025, all visitors and county staff who do not have a valid Fairfax County ID badge should be aware of the following changes. Entry Visitors may only come into and leave the building through the following entrances: South Lobby Entrance, far right door, next to the parking garage. This entrance is open Monday – Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Emergency Services Entrance, lower level. This entry is available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week Visitors who need ADA accommodation may enter and exit through the South Lobby and Emergency Services doors. Screening All visitors will be screened (checked) before entering the building. If a visitor refuses screening, they will not be allowed inside. Screening includes the following. Visitors will pass through a magnetometer (a metal detector) or handheld wand. All belongings must be removed from pockets and put in a security bin to be checked by security officer. If the magnetometer alerts, security officers will screen the individual with a hand-held wand. Visitors with a metal or a medical device within their body will be screened by a security officer with a hand-held wand. All bags, packages, strollers and other items that could hide items that are not allowed will be manually checked by security officer. Please plan ahead and allow extra time for this process. Prohibited Items Visitors will not be allowed to enter the building with any weapon or item that could be used as a weapon. Items that are not allowed (prohibited) include: Weapons of any kind. This includes firearms and knives. Sharp objects Tools Any item that could be used to cause harm If security officers find a prohibited item, the visitor will not be allowed to enter the building. Visitors will be given the option to return the item to their car and return to the screening process. For questions or special accommodation, please contact the Sharon Bulova Center at 703-559-3000 before visiting.   Contact Information For media inquiries, contact CSBCommunications@fairfaxcounty.gov.      

Finding mental health and/or substance use help for youth can be overwhelming. With so many kinds of resources available, it can be hard to know where to start. Fairfax County has a free, new tool to help young people and their families find assistance: Youth Care Navigation Services. Developed under the county’s Healthy Minds Fairfax program, Youth Care Navigation Services help families of children, teens and young adults up to age 25, navigate the process of finding appropriate mental health and substance use treatment services. Combining personal support from trained specialists with a specialized online self-help resource search engine, the county's initiative aims to reduce barriers for families seeking care. Making Sense of a Complicated System Based on several years of data about behavioral health concerns among Fairfax County youth, the Board of Supervisors convened a diverse group of stakeholders to recommend ways to address the issue. Among the main themes to emerge from that discussion was that too often, young people and their families did not know where to turn for help or how to access it. Mental health and substance use treatment options may appear fragmented, leaving families struggling to discover which services are available where, which providers accept their insurance, and which kinds of help are best suited for their child’s circumstances. Youth Care Navigation services aim to connect families to the appropriate care as quickly and effectively as possible. What Youth Care Navigation Services Offer There are two tools available: The opportunity to connect with a personal Care Navigator, and A localized online search engine that helps to identify providers and resources. The combination of human expertise and technology provides flexibility, recognizing that different families may prefer different approaches to finding help. These resources are available to people who live in Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax or Falls Church at no cost. Care Navigators The personal Care Navigation service connects families directly to trained specialists, known as Care Navigators. These professionals help assess a family’s specific needs, identify available local resources, and assist in breaking down barriers such as insurance or logistical challenges. Care Navigators: Work with families to develop individualized action plans tailored to the particular mental health or substance use concern. Provide curated recommendations for local providers, focusing on compatibility in terms of medical specialties, proximity, insurance acceptance, language preferences, and cultural considerations. Speak English, Spanish and Arabic. Interpreters are also available for other languages. To connect with a Care Navigator, call 703-468-0040 or email youthcarenav@hopelinkbh.org. Learn More About Care Navigation    Online Self-Help Resources Search Tool For those who prefer to explore options independently, there is also an online search engine powered by the find help platform. This easy-to-use website allows users to explore a range of providers, treatment options and mental health tools in the community. Families can filter search results by various criteria, including location, age group, type of treatment needed, and whether insurance is accepted. The combination of these services provides options for families in different circumstances, whether they prefer to call and speak to a specialist or simply want to explore locally available resources on their own. By pairing technology with compassionate, hands-on care, these care navigation tools deliver a lifeline to families in need. Find Help   Community Support for Families in Need In working to provide resources that make it easier for families to get help when they need it most, Healthy Minds Fairfax aims to build hope and resilience in the community. Facing mental health or substance use challenges may feel overwhelming. Youth Care Navigation Services help to ensure that no family has to face the challenges alone.   Contact Information For media inquiries, contact CSBCommunications@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Life can be unpredictable, and for some of us, unforeseen challenges can lead to emotional strain or moments of crisis. In those times, knowing who to turn to can make a big difference. The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) is here to ensure that no one has to face a crisis alone. With compassionate, accessible and comprehensive services, the CSB is a lifeline for individuals and families navigating mental health and substance use challenges. Whether you’re supporting a loved one or experiencing a crisis yourself, here’s what you need to know about CSB’s Crisis Services. About Crisis Services Crisis services are designed to provide immediate support to individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency. Sometimes, crises happen suddenly, such as suicidal thoughts or an overdose. In other cases, they might stem from ongoing struggles that feel overwhelming. Fairfax County’s CSB offers a network of resources to help individuals stabilize and find a path forward. These services are confidential and available to anyone in need—because everyone deserves help when it matters most. Immediate Crisis Services Fairfax County CSB provides a variety of crisis intervention options to meet people where they are, both physically and emotionally. For life-threatening emergencies, it is critical that you dial 911.   For other serious situations that need immediate assistance, the CSB offers support to make sure you have someone to talk to, someone who can respond to you, and somewhere for you to go. Someone To Talk To Whether you’re dealing with a mental health crisis, a substance use emergency, or simply need someone to talk to, trained counselors are just a phone call away. Contact the 988 Lifeline, answered locally by the Northern Virginia Crisis Call Center. This confidential hotline is available 24/7 to connect individuals with trained professionals who can provide immediate support. How to Reach 988: Call or Text 988. You can also call the local direct line at 703-527-4077. Chat 988lifeline.org Someone To Respond When you call 988 or 911 and ask for an in-person visit for additional support, a mobile team can be dispatched to you.  Here is who may respond: Mobile Crisis Teams: Mental Health Professionals Only. When you call the 988 Crisis Call Center in Northern Virginia and desire an in-person response, a mobile team can be dispatched to you within an hour.  The CSB operates a separate Mobile Crisis Unit that provides on-scene evaluation and crisis intervention services for individuals who are experiencing a mental health emergency and who need mental health treatment but are unwilling or unable to seek support. Co-Responder Teams: Mental Health Professional & Police Officer. The Co-Responder Team pairs a Crisis Intervention Team trained police officer with a CSB Crisis Intervention Specialist to respond to public safety calls that are related to behavioral health issues. One of the goals of this program is to divert community members from hospitalization, arrest or incarceration. Co-Responder Teams respond to calls made to 911.  Crisis Intervention Trained Police. Crisis Intervention Training is a 40-hour class that certifies public safety personnel, like police officers and Sheriff’s deputies, with skills that improve the criminal justice system response to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis or those with a mental illness or developmental disability. These officers and deputies have been trained to manage interactions with individuals in crisis. How to Request Support Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies, ask for a CIT officer.  For non-life-threatening emergencies:  When you are seeking in-person help for yourself or someone else, call the 988 Crisis Call Center in Northern Virginia directly at 703-527-4077.    If you are seeking help for a family member or loved one who may be resistant to receiving help, call the CSB Mobile Crisis Unit at 703-573-5679 TTY 711. If someone with a developmental disability is experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis, call REACH at 855-897-8278. Somewhere To Go 24/7 Walk-in Services at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health When you come to CSB Emergency Services at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health, you can expect to be seen by a compassionate clinician who will assess the risk of the situation and help you get the services you need. This may include medication, detoxification, or in some cases, hospitalization at another facility. The Bulova Center is not a hospital; people do not stay there. It can be considered similar to urgent care for mental health and substance use concerns. Go to: Lower-Level Emergency Services Entrance located at 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, Virginia, 22031 Non-Emergency Crisis Services The CSB also provides additional specialized crisis services: 1. Detoxification & Substance Use Support For individuals experiencing a substance use crisis, Fairfax Detoxification Services offer medical support and care to safely manage withdrawal and begin recovery. The CSB works closely with individuals to connect them with resources for ongoing treatment. 2. Crisis Stabilization and Short-Term Residential Programs For those needing more intensive support, CSB provides short-term residential programs designed to stabilize mental health crises in a safe, structured environment. These programs aim to reduce the need for hospitalization while addressing immediate concerns. 3. Intellectual or Developmental Disability Crisis Services Regional, Education, Assessment, Crisis Services, Habilitation (REACH) provides mobile crisis response services to children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. REACH aims to improve the quality of life and decrease facility placements and/or inpatient hospitalization. Access CSB Resources Life may have challenges, but support is always available. For CSB Non-Emergency Behavioral Health Services, call CSB Entry & Referral at 703-383-8500 TTY 771, to speak with someone who can help connect you to the right resources. Call Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 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. Healing is Possible The CSB understands that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to make the process as simple and supportive as possible. Seeking help is not a sign of failure, it’s a courageous step toward healing and hope. Contact Information For media inquiries, contact CSBCommunications@fairfaxcounty.gov.