Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute is an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Commonwealth of Department of Behavioral Health Developmental Services (DBHDS). The facility provides inpatient psychiatric services to persons ages eighteen to sixty-four. Services include diagnosis, medication management, psychological assessment, group therapy, activity therapy, family education and community meetings. The facility utilizes the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Model.
Admission to the Institute is by referral from the Community Services Board in the Individual’s home community, through a “prescreening” process.
Smoking Privileges In compliance with national accreditation standards, the Institute is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is not permitted anywhere.
Individuals Will Want to Bring a few changes of clothing for their stay at the Institute. Individuals are encouraged to deposit personal funds or valuables with the cashier; Individuals retaining valuables assume full responsibility for their safekeeping. Deposits or withdrawals on money orders, cashiers’ checks, certified checks, or government checks can be made immediately. Please avoid the deposit of personal checks, since these require seven to fourteen days to process. Glass objects, weapons and other harmful items are prohibited.
The Cost of Care All insurance information (including a copy of your card) should be furnished at time of admission. When requested by our Reimbursement Office, financial information has to be provided in order to determine whether you will qualify for financial assistance with your hospital charges. Costs will be based upon an ability to pay scale, however, if financial information is not provided to assist in determining financial assistance eligibility, Individuals and all legally responsible persons will be required to pay our full rate.
After Admission Individuals are assigned to a treatment team composed of a psychiatrist team leader, a psychologist, social workers, nursing personnel, an activity therapist, and other staff as relevant. Discharge planning with Individual, family and the Community Services Board begins with admission and culminates with referral back to the community for follow-up treatment based on the individual needs of each Individual. Information regarding Individual treatment is kept strictly confidential and released to other persons or agencies with the written consent of the Individual or as provided by law.
A Therapeutic Pass may be given to an Individual when it appears that a period of time spent in the community would clarify the Individual’s readiness for discharge. A single pass of a few hours up to two days may occur as needed to consolidate placement planning.
Meals at the Institute are served cafeteria-style in our dining room. Individuals who have special needs are served at the beginning of the meal service. Individuals are asked to come to the dining room promptly.
- Breakfast is served from 7:00 – 8:15 AM
- Lunch is served from 12:00 – 1:15 PM
- Dinner is served from 5:00 – 6:15 PM
Canteen Hours NO SET HOURS
Individual Rights are assured through the work of our Patient Advocate, they can be reached at (434) 799-6220. In addition, the Ombudsman can be reached at (434) 773-4230.
Ombudsman The typical duties of the Ombudsman are to assist Individuals receiving services or their family members by listening to their concerns or complaints and assist them in finding a solution usually through recommendations or mediation with staff. The Ombudsman also encourages and works with Individuals to develop skills and strategies for constructive advocacy and decision-making on their own behalf. The goal is to bring resolution to the complaint at the lowest possible level. The Ombudsman sometimes also aims to identify systematic issues which could lead to a violation of the State of Virginia Human Rights Regulations; works closely with the Human Rights Advocate, the Disability Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) and the Local Human Rights Committee (LHRC).
Telephone Calls to/from Individuals may be made via public telephones from, typically, 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM at any of the numbers listed below:
E/F Units: (434) 791-2032, (434) 791-2473, (434) 791-2430, (434) 791-4019
G/H Units: (434) 791-2948, (434) 791-4516, (434) 791-4017, (434) 791-4018
Packages for Individuals which are brought by visitors will be inspected by security and staff. A form must be filled out and signed listing each item. Please see the Comprehensive List of Health & Hygiene Items to ensure the items are permissible. Packages then may be opened by Individuals with a staff person present. Mail may be sent directly to the Institute address. Please do not send cash by mail. Address packages/mail to:
Attn: Individual’s Name
Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute
382 Taylor Drive
Danville, VA 24541
Individuals can sign up for visitation during daily meetings held by Rehab Services staff at the facility.
Visiting Hours and Rules *A photo ID is required to visit
Visiting Hours Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
*Weekend Hours Updated as of 5/24/2023*
Weekends: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Number of Visitors: Two visitors per Individual (maximum) at any one time on a “first come, first served ” basis.
Visiting Area: A maximum of fourteen (14) visitors will be allowed in the visiting area at any one time. If/when the number of visitors exceeds this, visitation will be limited to one hour per visitor. A schedule will be kept (much as reservations are made at restaurants) assigning visitors to a specific time for visiting. The visiting area will be under staff supervision at all times. Disruptive visitors will be asked to leave the premises.
Restrictions: Visiting is restricted to the designated visiting area and does not include the fenced outdoors area. Visitors must leave all purses, bags and other hand-held items in their vehicle. If traveling by bus, these items may be left (at your own risk) with the receptionist. Any packages intended for Individuals will be left with the receptionist for inspection by a member of the staff. Children 12 years of age and under must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Food and drink may not be brought into the building. Alcohol and other intoxicating substances are not allowed on State property. Weapons are not allowed on State property.
As A Total Quality Facility We welcome and appreciate your comments about our services and suggestions for improvement. Your feedback is important to help us better serve the citizens of Virginia. Please forward any comments to the Director’s Office at (434) 773-4220. The Disability Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) and the Department of Mental Health recognize mutual goals to protect the human and legal rights of individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities whom may reside within a DBHDS facility. If you have a complaint or probable cause to believe that abuse or neglect has occurred, call dLCV at 1-800 552-3962.