Boards and Councils

Please see menu below to learn more about the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (authorized by Chapter 2 of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia), the Behavioral Health Advisory Council (required by SAMHSA), or the Substance Abuse Services Council (authorized by § 2.2-2696 of the Code of Virginia).

The State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is a policy board comprised of nine nonlegislative citizens from across the Commonwealth appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the General Assembly. In accordance with the Code of Virginia, the State Board membership shall consist of one individual who is receiving or who has received services, one family member of an individual who is receiving or who has received services, one individual who is receiving or who has received services or family member of such individual, one elected local government official, one psychiatrist licensed to practice in Virginia, and four citizens of the Commonwealth at large.

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The mission of the Virginia Behavioral Health Advisory Council is to advocate for a consumer-driven system of services and supports that promotes self-determination, empowerment, recovery, resilience, health, and the highest possible level of consumer participation in all aspects of community life including work, school, family and other meaningful relationships.
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The Addiction and Recovery Council is established in the Code of Virginia [§2.2-2696] to advise the Governor, the General Assembly and the Board of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) in matters pertaining to substance abuse. Its members are representatives of state agencies, senators, delegates and representatives of provider agencies and advocacy organizations who are appointed by the Governor. The Code requires DBHDS to provide staff and funding to support the operation of the council. 

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