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.

County Resources for Students and Families

The CSB Youth and Family Services Team provides a variety of behavioral health services for individuals ages 3-18 years and their families.

• Youth and Family Outpatient Services include counseling, peer support, youth and parenting groups, and case management as well as psychiatric evaluations and medication management services.

• Youth Medication-Assisted Treatment clinics can help with substance use issues.

• CSB Outpatient Services are co-located in 3 County Community Centers, making help more easily available throughout the county.

Mental health specialists from the CSB are also present in select Fairfax County Public Schools. Among the services offered for youth and families at the CSB, School-Based Teams enable students to attend behavioral health appointments with a therapist during the school day. A student or family member may contact their student services staff (counselor, social worker or psychologist) to discuss eligibility for this service. Additionally, through the partnership between the CSB and FCPS, youth may access services through the Student Assistance Program (SAP).

Anyone residing in Fairfax County or the cities of Fairfax or Falls Church, between the ages of 3-18 years (or older if still in a Fairfax County or Falls Church school), is eligible to complete a screening and assessment to assess their behavioral health needs. The best way to learn more is to contact CSB Entry and Referral Services by calling 703-383-8500 (TTY 711) during regular business hours or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Lifesaving and Supportive Trainings

The CSB’s Wellness Health Promotion and Prevention program has regular trainings and presentations providing valuable tools that can be used to support youth. Information and upcoming dates are available on the CSB website.

• Question, Persuade, and Refer — Suicide Prevention Training
• Talk. They hear you. — Underage Drinking Prevention Training
• Mental Health First Aid
• Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education (REVIVE! Kit Training)
• Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Training

Mental Health Support is a Community Effort

As students start the school year, the mental health resources provided by the CSB, FCPS, and Healthy Minds Fairfax demonstrate a community-wide commitment to protecting youth wellbeing. Families are encouraged to take advantage of these supports.

By fostering collaboration between students, parents, schools, and mental health professionals, we can ensure every child thrives academically, socially, and emotionally.

For media inquiries, contact CSBCommunications@fairfaxcounty.gov.