The holiday season is often described as “cheerful,” but it can also bring stress and emotional challenges. That's why it's so important to stop and listen to your own needs in the midst of all of the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re dealing with grief, social, financial or emotional stress, support is available from the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB).
This month, we sat down with Stacey Lawson, Division Director of Residential Treatment and Detoxification Services to learn more about the mental health and substance use support that is available 24/7 — even throughout the holidays.
A Q&A with Stacey Lawson, Division Director in Residential Treatment and Detoxification Services.
Q. Hi Stacey! The holiday season is officially here, and we know it may be a difficult time for some. Does the CSB stay open during the holidays?
A. Absolutely! The CSB has several 24/7 treatment options, in addition to our scheduled services, for people struggling with mental health and substance use. Support doesn’t stop no matter what time of year it is.
Q. Can you share more about the residential treatment services that are open 24/7?
A. The Residential Treatment and Detox Services Division includes multiple residential programs. Services within this division are offered by a multi-disciplinary team made up of substance use, mental health and medical professionals. Our team also works with peer support services and community partners.
The Fairfax Detoxification Center (or “Detox Center”) serves individuals who need withdrawal management services who typically stay for 7-10 days. This short-term support helps stabilize clients medically and prepares them for the next step in their recovery journey. Services at Detox Center include clinical and medical withdrawal management, daily acupuncture, introduction to the 12-Step recovery process, assessment and referral, overdose prevention education, and much more.
The Detox Diversion Program operating out of the Detox Center in Chantilly runs seven days a week from 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. The program provides community outreach and intervention to individuals in need of detox services.
A New Beginning serves individuals who need residential treatment for substance use disorder and/or co-occurring mental health conditions. This longer-term program typically lasts about two and a half months and includes individual, group, and family counseling; trauma therapy; and a step-down supervised living component.
Crossroads serves individuals with severe substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health disorders. Individuals served at this program can stay 30 days up to four months. The program provides a highly structured environment that fosters recovery skills, family engagement, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), as well as a holistic approach to care, recreational activities and 12-step support meetings.
Q. Who else is eligible to participate in these treatment programs?
A. People interested in residential or detox treatment must be 18 years or older, reside in Fairfax County or the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, and meet the clinical criteria for a residential level of care for substance use disorder.
Q. What if someone has a mental health issue but isn’t using any substances?
A. The CSB offers crisis stabilization through the Wellness Circle program. This program provides an alternative to psychiatric hospitalization for Northern Virginia residents. They offer several services to help people improve negative symptoms as well as assist in developing a plan that will support them in maintaining their recovery.
Q. How do you access these services and where do you go to get help?
A. To access our mental health or substance use services, call the CSB Entry and Referral team at 703-383-8500 TTY 711 or the Detoxification Center directly at 703-502-7000 TTY 703-322-9080.
You can also walk into the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health at 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr., Fairfax, Virginia, 22031. The hours are Monday –Thursday from 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
People with Developmental Disabilities who need support should call 703-324-4400 TTY 711.
Q. What positive outcomes have you observed among individuals who participate in treatment?
A. We are fortunate to witness, through the application of evidence-based practices, decreased substance use which leads to improved mental well-being, and ultimately improved personal relationships, employment opportunities and better physical health.
Q. What is your favorite success story?
A. I have worked in the CSB Residential Treatment Division serving our community for 26 years. I have seen so many lives positively impacted by our services, it’s impossible to pick just one. However, it feels really rewarding to know that some individuals who I served during my first year of working at the CSB are still clean and sober 26 years later. Some even now work for the CSB and are giving back themselves!
Access CSB Services
As you can see, the CSB is ready to support you or someone you love in their time of need — day or night. And in addition to the services described here, Emergency Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 703-573-5679, or walk-in at Sharon Bulova Center. For urgent mental health related distress or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988.
If you are navigating the challenges of mental health issues and substance use, it’s important to remember that no one has to face these struggles alone. The CSB is here for you. Your well-being matters and reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Together, we can take steps toward healing, hope and a better tomorrow.
Contact Information
For media inquiries, contact CSBCommunications@fairfaxcounty.gov.