ESMH Resource Guide
This page provides a list of resources that are helpful to ESMH sites.
The state of West Virginia offers a full array of mental health and substance use prevention and treatment services. In addition, the state provides crisis lines, wrap around services, and family supports.
National Resources
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) is devoted to advancing the implementation of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
- Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders.
Regional Resources
- Prevention Lead Organizations can assist with obtaining and implementing evidence based programs for schools
- Regional Intervention Specialists provide suicide prevention, early intervention, post-vention, and staff training
- Regional Youth Service Centers (RYSCs) coordinate community-based mental health services for youth and young adults ages 12-25 and partners with families and youth. RYSCs provide substance use treatment, including early detection and recovery support services, and other types of mental health treatment and recovery wellbeing services.
- Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics offer a full range of mental health and substance use services, including psychiatric assessment and outpatient counseling.
- Children’s Mobile Crisis Response and Stabilization Services Teams have individuals with specialized training in de-escalation tools and knowledge of resources to assist individuals up to 21 years old in stabilizing the immediate situation
- Regional Youth Transition Navigators connect youths and young adults aged 14-25 who have mental health or substance use disorders with support to develop independent living and people skills, navigate systems like health care and education, and access to treatment and recovery services.
- West Virginia Family Resource Networks are organizations that respond to the needs and opportunities of the community. Partnering with community members and public and private organizations, the WVFRN members develop innovative projects and provide needed resources for their local areas.
Statewide Resources
Help & Crisis Lines
- HELP4WV provides immediate 24-hour access to help for those struggling with substance use or mental health issues. Users can call or text (1.844.435.7498) and chat online. It also has an online resource directory.
- Crisis Text Line provides free 24/7 support with a trained Crisis Counselor. Text 741741 or send a message on WhatsApp.
- 988 Lifeline connects users with a counselor for help during difficult moments anytime, day or night via call, text, or online chat.
Evidence-Based Programs
- Bureau for Behavioral Health Clearinghouse provides agencies and practitioners with valuable information regarding the level of effectiveness for various interventions. Information regarding the efficacy of programs to address substance use, suicide, bullying, and other needs throughout West Virginia is included in this database.
Family & Community Supports
- Help & Hope WV serves as an online repository for a multitude of resources for families and communities in the state.
- WV Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) provides assistance to relatvie caregivers such as phone support, a Facebook support group, training, and networking. RAPP also develops educational resources and provides advocacy.
- Healthy Grandfamilies is a free initiative led by West Virginia State University to provide information and resources to grandparents who are raising one or more grandchildren.
- Parent Guidance, a resource provided through the WV Department of Education, connects families with a free parenting coach and therapist-created content to help them navigate the ups and downs with confidence.
- West Virginia Wrap Around builds a team of community partners and supportive family and friends to develop a plan that will help support the family and child to keep the child thriving at home.
Other Tools & Resources
- Screening & assessment tools
- Transportation options in WV
- ESMH funding options (scroll to Step 8)
- First Choice Services operates multiple programs and helplines with the goal of promoting well-being and facilitating access to behavioral health and social services. Provides media toolkits for six initiatives.