Richmond, Henrico launch online directory for mental health, substance use services

Richmond and Henrico County officials have launched a new online directory designed to help Central Virginia residents find mental health and substance use services.

The Central VA Resource Navigator is a free, public directory that allows users to search for services in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield and the surrounding region. The tool is intended for people seeking help themselves, as well as family members, health care providers and organizations making referrals.

The directory is designed to address a common obstacle for people seeking care: determining what services are available, where they are located and which ones are appropriate for their needs.

The online directory includes searchable filters that allow users to narrow services according to their needs, plain-language descriptions of services, information about the populations served, and eligibility and access details.

The project grew out of the Richmond and Henrico Regional Resource Guide to Substance Use, Mental, and Behavioral Health, which was launched in 2023.

The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts received a one-time grant from the National Association of County and City Health Officials to support community efforts aimed at reducing overdoses and other harms associated with substance use. Resource-mapping specialists documented available services throughout the region and developed the original guide, a project that was completed in June 2024.

That effort since has been expanded into the Central VA Resource Navigator, with Chesterfield and other portions of the region now included.

Monica Kelley, Richmond's resource mapping project coordinator in the city's Office of Opioid and Substance Use Response, said the team has spent more than 1,500 hours developing relationships with community organizations.

“We’ve also partnered with the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement on language access for the directory and talked to providers to better understand where gaps still exist,” Kelley said. “More than a list of resources; we want it to be something people can actually trust and use when they’re looking for help.”

Henrico officials said the regional approach should make it easier for residents to locate assistance regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.

“Henrico County is proud to have partnered with the City of Richmond to launch the Central Virginia Resource Navigator,” said Leslie Martin Stephen, assistant director of Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services. “This is another example of our localities collaborating to address substance use and promote recovery throughout the region.”

Stephen called the directory a “lifesaving guide” that can help people quickly identify substance use resources and providers.

“For those who need help, accessing the Central Virginia Resource Navigator can be a vital, first step to a healthier and happier life,” she said.

Richmond Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services Amy Popovich, who previously worked with the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, said improving residents' ability to locate care can have a significant impact.

“As a long-time health care provider and leader, I know what happens when residents don't get the care they need — often it means the difference between life and death,” Popovich said. “The Central VA Resource Navigator is one way our city is choosing to care for our residents along their health journey.”

Service providers also may submit their organizations for inclusion in the directory. Officials said participation can increase the visibility of services and help providers make faster and more accurate referrals.

Residents and organizations also may provide feedback about the directory as officials continue to develop it.

The Central VA Resource Navigator is available free to the public at centralvaresourcenavigator.org.