Crisis Services

What We Do

The DBHDS Office of Crisis Supports and Services provides oversight and technical assistance to the statewide crisis system. The information offered in this page consists of resources, frequently asked questions, and contact information for the REACH program, which is the statewide crisis system of care for people with developmental disabilities.

REACH Mission Statement:

Individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities shall be supported with services that allow the individual to live the most inclusive life possible in his/her community which includes access to appropriate and effective crisis stabilization, intervention, and prevention services including mental health treatment services when indicated.


What is REACH?

The REACH program is the statewide crisis system of care that is designed to meet the crisis support needs of individuals who have a developmental disability and are experiencing crisis events which put them at risk for homelessness, incarceration, hospitalization, and/or danger to self or others. REACH services are available statewide, with one regional program being located in each of the Commonwealth’s five DD regions (Southwestern, Western, Northern, Central, and Eastern).

Who is eligible for REACH services?

Individuals with a developmental disability (as outlined in the Code of Virginia § 37.2-100 Definitions) with co-occurring mental illness and/or significant challenging behaviors that are active or cyclical in nature are eligible for REACH services. REACH serves both child and adult populations. Note: to be eligible for REACH services, the developmental disability must be established during the developmental period.

What types of services does REACH provide?

REACH provides the following services:

  • 24/7 crisis assessment and intervention designed to address and resolve crisis situations for individuals with DD who are experiencing a crisis event of a behavioral and/or psychiatric nature
  • Post-crisis mobile/community-based direct services designed to assess needs and subsequently create individualized supportive interventions to prevent and/or de-escalate future crisis situations.
  • Brief residential crisis therapeutic services at an Adult or Youth REACH Crisis Therapeutic Home (CTH) for stabilization of a crisis, a planned prevention, or as a step-down from a state hospital, training center, or jail. The CTH can provide in depth assessments, a change in setting to allow for stabilization, and a highly structured and supportive environment to improve coping skills and work on other goals that aide in stabilizing the current crisis or prevent future occurrence. As it is best practice and the least restrictive treatment approach to provide services in the setting in which the crisis occurred, the CTH shall be used only when community based crisis services or supports are not effective or are clinically inappropriate.
  • Creation of an individualized Crisis Education and Prevention Plan (CEPP), which provides a concise, clear, and realistic set of supportive interventions to prevent or de-escalate a crisis and assist an individual who may be experiencing a behavioral loss of control.
  • Individualized training to the individual and his/her support system which targets the CEPP and associated strategies that support the individual early in the escalation period such that crisis situations can be avoided and the likelihood of out of home placement is reduced
  • Linkages to other services and supports which may be beneficial to the individual and other stakeholders in his/her life
  • Training and education to the larger community (e.g. CSBs, families, providers, law enforcement, hospitals) both on REACH services and on topics which are pertinent to the population which REACH serves

How much do REACH services cost?

REACH crisis services are available to individuals who meet the eligibility requirements for the program as noted above. For individuals who utilize the DD waivers, REACH services are included in each waiver. Regardless of waiver status, any individual who meets qualifying eligibility criteria can access REACH services at no cost.

How can families, providers, support coordinators, and other stakeholders best collaborate with REACH?

If an individual accepts REACH services, the individual and key stakeholders in his/her life can support engagement with REACH by:

  • Being actively involved throughout the duration of REACH services
  • Participating and collaborating in ongoing team meetings and trainings, and
  • Actively participating in discharge planning

How do I make a referral to REACH, contact REACH in a crisis, or contact REACH to learn more about services?

Each regional program operates a hotline which is available 24/7. The hotline can be used to make calls to the program that are both of an immediate crisis and/or non-crisis in nature (e.g. informational, calling to make a referral). The numbers for the hotlines, the specific areas served by REACH (broken down by CSBs in the catchment area), and the names of REACH leadership in each region are provided below:

Region I:

Adult REACH Crisis Line: 855-917-8278

Child REACH Crisis Line: (888) 908-0486

Adult and Child REACH Director: Leela While

Region II:

REACH Crisis Line: (855) 897-8278

Adult & Child REACH Director: Liv O’Neal

 

Region III:

REACH Crisis Line: (855) 887-8278

Adult and Children’s REACH Director: Karen Adams

Region IV:

REACH Crisis Line: 833-968-1800 

Adult and Children’s REACH Director: Autumn Richardson

Region V:

REACH Crisis Line: (888)255-2989

Adult and Children’s REACH Director: Brandon Rodgers


Region I (Western):

Areas Served Allegheny Highlands CSB: Alleghany, Covington, Clifton Forge City Harrisonburg-Rockingham CSB: Harrisonburg, Bergton, Bridgewater, Broadway, Dayton, Elkton, Grottoes, Keezletown, Massanutten, McGaheysville, Mt. Crawford, Mt. Solon, Penn Laird, Port Republic, Rockingham, Timberville Region 10 CSB: Crozet, Earlysville, Esmont, Greenwood, Keswick, North Garden, Scottsville, White Hall, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Kents Store, Palmyra, Dyke, Graves Mill, Greene, Ruckersville, Arrington, Stanardsville, Bumpass, Louisa, Mineral, Trevilians, Afton, Colleen, Faber, Gladstone, Love, Lovingston, Massies Mill, Montebello, Nellsyvord, Nelson, Piney River, Roseland, Schuyler, Shipman, Tyro, Wingina, Wintergreen Valley CSB: Augusta , Augusta Springs, Fishersville, Ft. Defiance, Lyndhurst, Middlebrook, Mount Solon, Staunton, Stuarts Draft, Swoope, Verona, Weyer’s Cave, Blue Grass, McDowell, Monterey, Waynesboro, Highland, Hightown Horizon BH: Clifford, Elon, Lowesville, Madison Heights, Monroe, Sweet Briar, Amherst , Pamplin, Spout Spring, Appomattox , Bedford City, Bedford , Big Island, Forest, Goode, Goodview, Hardy, Huddleston, Moneta, Montvale, Thaxton, Alta Vista, Brookneal, Campbell, Concord, Lynch Station, Rustburg, Lynchburg Rockbridge Area CS: Bath, Hot Springs, Millboro, Virginia , Warm Springs, Buena Vista, Lexington, Brownsburg, Fairfield, Glasgow, Goshen, Natural Bridge, Raphine, Rockbridge Baths, Rockbridge , Steeles Tavern, Vesuvius
Northwestern CSB: Winchester, Clarke, Berryville, Boyce, Millwood, White Post, Clearbrook, Cross Junction, Frederick, Gainesboro, Gore, Stephens City, Luray, Page, Rileyville, Stanley, Basye, Edinburg, Fishers Hill, Fort Valley, Maurertown, Mt. Jackson, New Market, Orkney Springs, Quicksburg, Shenandoah, Strasburg, Toms Brook, Woodstock, Middletown, Bentonville, Front Royal, Linden, Warren Rappahannock Area CSB: Bowling Green, Carmel Church, Caroline , Ladysmith, Milford, Port Royal, Rappahannock Academy, Ruther Glen, Woodford, Fredericksburg, Dahlgren, King George, Lake Anna, Spotsylvania, Thornburg, Falmouth, Stafford Rappahannock-Rapidan CSB: Amissvile, Brandy Station, Culpeper, Elkwood, Fauquier, Griffinsburg, Jeffersonton, Reva, Richardsville, Stevensburg, Broad Run, Casanova, Catlett, Delaplane, Goldvein, Hume, Madison, Markham, Marshall, Midland, New Baltimore, Paris, Remington, Sumerduck, The Plains, Upperville, Warrenton, Brightwood, Crigslerville, Hood, Leon, Locust Dale, Madison, Pratts, Rochelle, Syria, Wolftown, Barboursville, Gordonsville, Locust Grove, Montpelier Station, Orange, Somerset, Bealton, Boston, Castleton, Flint Hill, Huntly, Rappahannock, Scrabble, Sperryville, Viewtown, Washington

Region II (Northern):

Areas Served Alexandria CSB: City of Alexandria Fairfax Falls Church CSB: Annandale, Burke, Centreville, Clifton, Fairfax City, Fairfax , Fairfax Station, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Springfield, Vienna Loudoun CSB: Aldie, Ashburn, Bluemont, Chantilly, Dulles, Hamilton, Hillsboro, Lansdowne, Leesburg, Lincoln, Loudoun, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Neersville, Paeonian Springs, Philimott, Purcellville, Round Hill, South Riding, Sterling, Waterford, The Plains Arlington County CSB: Arlington Prince William County CSB: Manassas, Manassas Park, Bristow, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Montclair, Nokesville, Occoquan, Prince William, Quantico, Triangle, Woodbridge

Region III (Southwest):

Areas Served: Blue Ridge BH: Botetourt, Buchanan Town, Daleville, Eagle Rock, Fincastle, Oriskany, Roanoke City, Troutville, Arcadia, Catawba, Craig, New Castle, Newport, Paint Bank, Bent Mountain, Roanoke , Vinton, Salem, Vinton Cumberland Mt CSB: Big Rock, Buchanan, Grundy, Pilgrims Knot, Vansant, Castlewood, Cleveland, Dante, Honaker, Lebanon, Rosedale, Russell, Tazewell Highland CS: Washington County, Abingdon, Clarksville, Damascus, Emory, Glade Spring, Meadowview and City of Bristol, Virginia New River Valley CS: Radford, Willis, Copper Hill, Floyd, Giles, Narrows, Pearisburg, Rich Creek, Staffordsville, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Claudville, Montgomery, Riner, Shawsville, Pilot, Allisonia, Draper, Dublin, Hiwassee, New Bern, Pulaski , Pembroke, Meadows of Dan Danville-Pittsylvania CSB: Danville, Blairs, Callands, Chatham, Gretna, Pittsylvania, Ringgold, Sandy Level Dickenson County BHS: Birchleaf, Breaks, Clinchco, Clintwood, Dickenson , Haysi Mt. Rogers CSB: Bastian, Bland , Rocky Gap, Carroll , Atkins, Ceres, Chilhowie, Elk Creek, Fires, Galax, Grayson, Groseclose, Hillsville, Independence, Mouth of Wilson, Smyth, Sugar Grove, Troutdale, Whitetop, Saltville, Marion, Barren Springs, Crockett, Fort Chiswell, Foster Falls, Ivanhoe, Max Meadows, Wythe, Wytheville, Rural Retreat Piedmont CS: Martinsville, Boones Mill, Burnt Chimney, Callaway, Ferrum, Franklin , Glade Hill, Penhook, Rocky Mount, Smith Mountain Lake, Union Hall, Wirtz, Axton, Bassett, Collinsville, Fieldale, Henry, Ridgeway, Spencer, Stanleytown, Patrick Planning District One BHS: Dryden, Ewing, Jonesville, Lee, Middlesboro, Pennington Gap, Rose Hill, Stickleysville, Norton, Clinchport, Duffield, Dungannon, Gate City, Hiltons, Nickelsville, Scott, Weber City, Appalachia, Big Stone Gap, Coeburn, Pound, St. Paul, Wise, Southside CSB: Warfield, Alberta, Brunswick , Gasburg, Lawrenceville, Rawlings, Alaton, Boydton, Buffalo Junction, Chase City, Clarksville, Clover, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Nathalie, Scottsburg, Skipwith, South Boston, South Hill, Sutherlin, Virgilina, Bracey

 

Region IV (Central):

Areas Served: Richmond BHA: Richmond City Chesterfield CSB: Chester, Chesterfield , Ettrick, Matoaca, Midlothian, Mosely District 19 CSB: Hopewell, Dinwiddie, McKenney, Emporia, Greensville, Skippers, Disputanta, Fort Lee, Prince George, Claremont, Spring Grove, Surry, Wakefield, Jarrat, Stony Creek, Sussex, Wakefield, Waverly, Colonial Heights, Petersburg Goochland/Powhatan CS: Crozier, Goochland, Gum Spring, Hadensville, Maidens, Manakin-Sabot, Oilville, Powhatan Hanover County CSB: Ashland, Beaverdam, Doswell, Hanover, Mechanicsville, Montpelier, Rockville Henrico Area MHDS: Charles City, Red House, Glen Allen, Henrico, Highland Springs, Sandston, Lanexa, New Kent , Providence Forge, Quinton Crossroads CSB: Amelia, Jetersville, Buckingham, Charlotte, Charlotte Court House, Drakes Branch, Keysville, Randolph , Red Oak, Cartersville, Cumberland , Dundas, Kenbridge, Lunenburg, Meherrin, Prince Edward, Victoria, Blackstone, Crewe, Nottoway, Farmville, Green Bay, Rice 

Region V (Eastern):

Areas Served: Middle Peninsula Northern Neck CSB: Wake, Saluda, Essex , Tappahannock, Dutton, Gloucester, Gloucester Point, Hayes, King and Queen, Aylett, King William, West Point, Irvington, Weems, White Stone, Burkeville, Church View, Cobbs Creek, Deltaville, Grimstead, Gwynn’s Island, Hallieford, Hardyville, Hartfield, Locust Hill, Mathews, Middlesex, Port Haywood, Topping, Urbanna, Wake, Burgess, Callao, Heathsville, Kilmarnock, Lottsburg, Northumberland, Ophelia, Reedville, Wicomico Church, Farnham, Naylor’s Beach, Richmond , Warsaw, Coles Point, Colonial Beach, Kinsale, Montross, Oak Grove, Stratford, Westmoreland, Achilles, Lancaster, Morattico Colonial BH: James City, Jamestown, Toano, Poquoson, Williamsburg, Grafton, York, Yorktown Eastern Shore CSB: Wachapreague, Accomac City, Accomack , Belle Haven, Bloxom, Chincoteaque, Grasonville, Hallwood, Harborton, Keller, Melfa, New Church, Onancock, Onley, Painter, Parksley, Pungoteague, Quinby, Sanford, Tangier, Tasley, Wachapreague, Wallops Island, Cape Charles, Capeville, Cheriton, Eastville, Exmore, Hacks Neck, Jamesville, Machipongo, Nassawadox, Northampton, Oyster, Townsend, Willis Wharf Western Tidewater CSB: Suffolk, Isle of Wight, Boykins, Capron, Courtland, Drewryville, Franklin City, Ivor, Sedley, Southampton, Smithfield, Windsor Hampton Newport News CSB: Newport News, Hampton Virginia Beach: City of Virginia BeachPortsmouth BHS: City of PortsmouthChesapeake CSB: City of Chesapeake Norfolk CSB: City of Norfolk ​


Below are several downloadable standardized documents, referral forms, and the REACH Program Standards.


Heather Norton , Assistant Commissioner, Developmental Services, 804-786-5850 (office), 804-239-5155 (cell)

Bill Howard: Director of Crisis Supports & Services 804-432-2467 (cell)

Denise Hall: Regional Crisis Manager (Regions 4 & 5) 804-807-3566 (cell)

Sharon Bonaventura  Regional Crisis Manager (Regions 1 & 3), 434-960-0427 (cell)

Lars Messerschmidt Regional Crisis Manager (Region 2), 804-661-2950 (cell)