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.
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.
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.