March 4, 2022

“Asking for help should never be considered a sign of weakness.”
– Sheriff Stacey Kincaid

Dr. Grace Davidson, Licensed Professional Counselor, recently joined the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office under contract full-time to provide behavioral health services for the agency’s 550 employees and their families. She continues her role leading the agency’s Peer Support Team, which earned accreditation in October 2021 from the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services. To maintain state accreditation, Davidson must provide quarterly team training sessions every year.

Davidson operates her practice out of Woodbridge, Virginia. “What’s unique and exciting is that my office is offsite,” she said. “Staff can access me without concern for being seen coming in or out. Confidentiality is crucial for a counselor to be trusted.” She is also certified in telehealth, which further enhances confidentiality and convenience.

When Davidson counsels law enforcement, she points out that they are everyone else’s 911 and asks who is there for them? “Who is your 911?”

While not professional counselors, members of the Sheriff’s Office Peer Support Team are well-trained active listeners who are empathetic, trusted and always reachable. Team members have phones dedicated strictly to peer support and keep all contacts confidential. If a team member believes an employee’s issues warrant a licensed professional, they make a referral to Davidson who is also available 24/7.

Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid is a long-time advocate of treatment and support for mental illness and substance use disorders. She expressed gratitude for the work being done by the agency’s Peer Support Team.

“It’s hard for most of us to admit when we need help,” said Kincaid, “but the team under Dr. Davidson’s leadership is helping to lessen the stigma associated with behavioral health issues. Asking for help should never be considered a sign of weakness.”

Learn more about how the agency created a revamped Peer Support Team and earned accreditation in fall 2021.

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_{If you or a loved one needs mental health services,
please call the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Merrifield Center at 703-573-5679 or
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK).}