At a Glance...

MHAV is best known for it's training and education programs such as Consumer Empowerment Leadership Training (CELT) , Virginia Federation for Families (VA-FOF) and WellnessWired.

What does MHAV do?

MHAV is a thoughtful voice of reason. MHAV advocates for public and private sector services and financing to ensure adequate and appropriate detection, treatment, housing, and rehabilitation programs. Teaming with consumers, families of consumers, mental health professionals, providers and the public we ensure that the members of the Virginia General Assembly and members of Virginia’s Congressional delegation are aware of the concerns and needs of people with mental illness.

MHAV educates the public about mental health and mental illness to eliminate the stigma which prevents people from receiving the help they need.

MHAV promotes and provides programs to meet the needs of individuals suffering with mental illness, to improve mental health, and to reduce conditions which impede the attainment of mental health.

Core Principles

VISION: All people in Virginia achieve optimal mental wellness.

PURPOSE: Mental Health America of Virginia promotes mental wellness in Virginia for everyone, everyday and in times of crisis.

MISSION: To educate, empower and advocate on behalf of individuals, communities and organizations to take ownership and responsibility for mental wellness.

Our History

Mental Health America of Virginia is the oldest mental health advocacy organization in Virginia. Founded in 1923 and known as the Virginia Mental Hygiene Association. MHAV has been associated with MHA. Mental Health America (MHA) is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness, with more than 340 affiliates nationwide.

MHA was established in 1909 by former psychiatric patient Clifford W. Beers. During his stays in public and private institutions, Beers witnessed and was subjected to horrible abuse. From these experiences, Beers set into motion a reform movement that took shape as the National Mental Health Association.

MHAV promotes and provides programs to meet the needs of individuals suffering with mental illness, to improve mental health, and to reduce conditions which impede the attainment of mental health.

MHA's work has resulted in positive change. We have educated millions about mental illnesses and reduced barriers to treatment and services. As a result of our efforts, many Americans with mental disorders have sought care and now enjoy fulfilling, productive lives in their communities.

The Mental Health America Bell Story

"Cast from shackles which bound them, this bell shall ring out hope for the mentally ill and victory over mental illness."

(Inscription on MHA Bell)

During the early days of mental health treatment, asylums often restrained persons with mental illnesses by iron chains and shackles around their ankles and wrists. With better understanding and treatments, this cruel practice eventually stopped.

In the early 1950s, the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) issued a call to asylums across the country for their discarded chains and shackles. On April 13, 1956, at the McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore, MD, NMHA melted down these inhumane bindings and recast them into a sign of hope: the Mental Health Bell.

Now the symbol of NMHA, the 300-pound Bell serves as a powerful reminder that the invisible chains of misunderstanding and discrimination continue to bind people with mental illnesses. Today, the Mental Health Bell rings out hope for improving mental health and achieving victory over mental illnesses.

Over the years, national mental health leaders and other prominent individuals have rung the Bell to mark the continued progress in the fight for victory over mental illnesses.