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Local Mental Health Resources That Can Help During Crisis

September is Suicide Prevention Month in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford, VA

By Stephanie Freeman and Jenny Sites September 14, 2023

September is World Suicide Prevention Month and is a good time to remind ourselves that our words, actions, and support can truly make a difference in the lives of those who are facing the darkness of mental health challenges. We must acknowledge the pain that some individuals are silently enduring and let them know they are not alone. It's also a good time to share national and local resources in place to help those in crisis.

Mental health resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. Uncomfortable on the phone? You can chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Know you are not alone. There is help available, and there are people who care deeply about your well-being. 

Along with the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, there are also several options in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford for finding help for you or someone you know who is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide. Some of those options include:

The Suicide Prevention Education Program partners with local schools and youth organizations to present an engaging, evidence-based curriculum that teaches middle and high school students how to identify the signs and symptoms of suicide and depression and what they can do to get help. 

  • HELPLINE of Fredericksburg 

The HELPLINE is an information hub and referral source for local mental health professionals and agencies licensed by the State of Virginia who practice in or around the City of Fredericksburg, and counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. For personal assistance in locating a mental health provider, please call our office at (540) 371-2704 Monday through Friday from 9 am – 2 pm.

  • Support Groups for Parents and Caregivers of Children with a Mental Health Diagnosis

For information about Support Groups please call us at (540) 371-2704 or reach out to us via email helpline@mhafred.org.

  • Rappahannock Area Community Services Board

Stafford Clinic: 540-659-2725

Fredericksburg Clinic: 540-373-3223

24 Hour Emergency Line: 540-373-6876 

You can also find a list of community resource events here.

  • Veterans Health Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (press 1)
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is hosting a local walk in October. You can find more about The Greater Fredericksburg Walk here.


Infographic by NAMI

Find warning signs and risk factors of suicide, what you need to know about youth suicide, crisis resources, and more on NAMI.org.


Offer kindness, empathy, and support

During this World Suicide Prevention Month, let's be a beacon of hope for those in need. Our willingness to offer unwavering support, paired with our capacity to listen without judgment, can alter the trajectory of someone's life. Together, we can work towards creating a community where mental health is openly discussed, where struggles are met with compassion, and where every individual knows that they matter.

Let's unite in kindness, empathy, and solidarity. Let's light up the darkness with love and understanding. Remember, there's always hope – and there's always help.