RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia may be leading the way when it comes to providing online mental health services to those who can’t afford it.
After about two years of pilot programs, Virginia Telemental Health Initiative There are currently more than 100 volunteer therapists working toward licensure, partnering with clients at 22 free and charity clinics across the state.
The initiative is said to be the first in the U.S. to not only provide virtual mental health support to uninsured and underinsured patients, but also to support workers who are trying to meet eligibility requirements.
WTVR
Dr. Muriel Azria Evans of Health Brigade said many free and charity clinics may not have mental health professionals on-site, but through this virtual initiative, patients can meet with therapists anywhere in Virginia. The program could also be extended to people who have Medicaid but don’t have insurance for counseling services, she said.
“It’s a big deal for us to be just a medical clinic and all of a sudden they’re like, ‘Wow, basically, we have mental health resources that aren’t on-site,'” Azria Evans said.
Azria Evans said her clinic has seen an increase in patients seeking online mental health services, especially those whose first language is not English.
“Obviously, we’re seeing more people struggling with depression and anxiety,” she said, “and a lot of the people we serve, in particular, have transportation challenges.”
WTVR
According to a 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association, the average wait time to see a therapist is about three months or more, and much of this is due to a shortage of staff.
During the pilot phase, the average wait time was about 11 days, according to people behind the only program, and nearly 2,000 remote mental health sessions were scheduled.
“Hopefully, this will build a pool of providers and alleviate some of the provider shortage,” Azria Evans said.
Azria Evans said she doesn’t expect demand for free virtual mental health services to slow down anytime soon.
“I think this trend will only grow stronger. The need is there,” she said.
WTVR
The list below includes all participating charity clinics in Virginia.
- Adams Compassionate Healthcare Network (Chantilly)
- Augusta Area Dental Clinic
- Blue Ridge Free Clinic, Harrisonburg
- Culmore Clinic (Falls Church)
- Culpepper Free Clinic
- Powhatan Free Clinic
- Goochland Cares
- Green Care Clinic (Stairsville)
- Guadalupe Free Clinic, Colonial Beach
- Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic (Woodbridge)
- Oren R. Wilson (Galax)
- Sinclair Health Clinic (Winchester)
- Bradley Free Clinic, Roanoke
- Brock Hughes Medical Center (Wytheville)
- Charlottesville Free Clinic
- Crossover Healthcare Ministries (Richmond and Henrico)
- Fauquier Free Clinic
- Frankly County Free Clinic/Bernard Health Care Center
- Health Brigade (Richmond)
- Ledwis Lewis Free Clinic (Tappahannock)
- Paige Free Clinic (Lulay)
- Shenandoah Community Health Clinic (Woodstock)
Interested patients can contact the free or charity clinic directly to verify eligibility and schedule an appointment.
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