How to find mental health counseling in Fredericksburg, VA
How to Find Mental Health Counseling in Fredericksburg, VA Looking for a counselor can feel like a lot, especially when you're already struggling. The good news is that the Freder...
Fredericksburg · Community Photo
How to Find Mental Health Counseling in Fredericksburg, VA
Looking for a counselor can feel like a lot, especially when you're already struggling. The good news is that the Fredericksburg area has public, nonprofit and private options, including some for people with no insurance. This guide covers where to get help fast, where to find low-cost care, and how to look for a private therapist.
If you're in crisis right now
Call or text 988, or chat at988lifeline.org. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free and open 24 hours a day.
RACSB Emergency Services (24/7): 540-373-6876 for Fredericksburg, Stafford and Spotsylvania. Caroline County residents should call 804-633-4148, and King George residents should call 540-775-5064.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB)
RACSB is the public mental health and substance use agency for Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline and King George. Its main office and Fredericksburg Clinic are at 600 Jackson St. The main number is 540-373-3223.
You don't need an appointment to get started. WithSame Day Access, you can walk in for an assessment during these hours:
Clinic | Walk-in hours | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Fredericksburg, 600 Jackson St. | Mon., Wed., Thu. 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Tue. 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. | 540-373-3223 |
Stafford, 15 Hope Road | Tue. and Thu. 9 a.m.–noon | 540-659-2725 |
Spotsylvania, 7424 Brock Road | Tue.–Thu. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | 540-582-3980 |
King George, 8479 St. Anthony's Road | Tue. 1:30–5 p.m.; Wed. 8:30 a.m.–noon | 540-775-9879 |
Caroline, 19254 Rogers Clark Blvd., Ruther Glen | Tue. and Thu. 8–11:30 a.m. | 804-633-9997 |
The assessment can take up to two hours. Bring your insurance cards, any referral paperwork and any court documents. If you need ongoing care, RACSB will schedule a follow-up within 10 days. For questions about cost, call 540-373-3223. You can find all clinic contacts on RACSB'scontact page.
Free and low-cost help
Mental Health America of Fredericksburg HELPLINE: A local information and referral line that can help you find counseling and other services. Call (540) 371-2704, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or toll-free at (800) 684-6423. Details are on theMHAfred HELPLINE page.
Fredericksburg Christian Health Center: ItsUninsured Programprovides medical, behavioral health and nutrition care for a suggested donation based on income. It serves households under 300% of the federal poverty level. Call (540) 785-8500. There are locations at 1129 Heatherstone Drive and 4107 Lafayette Blvd.
Central Virginia Health Services (CVHS) Fredericksburg: This community health center at 1965 Emancipation Highway, Suite 100, offers behavioral health care. CVHS charges on a sliding scale based on income for some services, so ask whether it applies to counseling. Call 540-735-0560.
If you have Medicaid (Cardinal Care)
Virginia Medicaid covers mental health services. If you have questions about your health plan or want to switch plans, call theCardinal Care Managed Care HelpLineat 1-800-643-2273 (TTY 1-800-817-6608). It's open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Your health plan's member services line can also give you a list of in-network therapists.
University of Mary Washington students
UMW students can get counseling through theTalley Center for Counseling Services. Call 540-654-1053 and choose option 2, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Option 1 on the same line connects to crisis support at any hour. Students can also use TimelyCare for 24/7 virtual support.
Finding a private therapist
Start with your insurance company's provider list, or use thePsychology Today directory. You can filter by insurance, specialty and telehealth.
Check the therapist's license with theVirginia Department of Health Professions License Lookup.
Before you book, ask about fees, whether they offer a sliding scale, and whether they take your insurance.
FAQ
I don't have insurance. Where should I start?
Try RACSB Same Day Access, the Fredericksburg Christian Health Center Uninsured Program, or CVHS. The MHAfred HELPLINE can also point you to low-cost options.
Do I need a referral?
Not for RACSB Same Day Access. You can just walk in. Some insurance plans require a referral for private therapists, so check with your plan.
What if I'm worried about someone else?
You can call or text 988, or RACSB Emergency Services, to get advice on how to help them.
