Edit: Item_301-1H_Healing_Station_Counseling_Center_Grant

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= Item 301 (1H) — Healing Station Counseling Center Grant = == Status == * Session: 2026 Regular Session * Bill: HB30 * Item: 301 * Amendment: #1H * Status: Introduced * Link: https://budget.lis.virginia.gov/amendment/2026/1/HB30/Introduced/MR/301/1h/ <hr> == Overview == Provides funding to support the Healing Station Counseling Center in expanding behavioral health services and strengthening the regional mental health workforce in Planning District 16. <hr> == Statement == Item 301, Amendment 1H provides $100,000 to support the Healing Station Counseling Center in expanding free mental health services and strengthening our local behavioral health workforce. This funding supports no-cost clinical supervision for pre-licensed clinicians, helping more providers become fully licensed and remain in Planning District 16. It also expands access to care for low-income and uninsured residents in the Fredericksburg region, where provider shortages remain severe. This is a modest, targeted investment with long-term benefits for access, workforce development, and community health. <hr> == Amendment Details == * '''Amount:''' $100,000 (FY1) * '''Recipient:''' Healing Station Counseling Center * '''Geographic Focus:''' Planning District 16 (Fredericksburg region) * '''Administering Entity:''' Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (pass-through grant) == What the Amendment Does == * Provides $100,000 in first-year funding. * Supports no-cost clinical supervision for pre-licensed clinicians. * Expands free outpatient mental health services for low-income and uninsured individuals. * Increases the number of licensed behavioral health providers in the region. * Improves access to timely, high-quality mental health care. == Rationale and Need == * Planning District 16 faces shortages of licensed behavioral health providers. * Many residents lack access to affordable outpatient mental health care. * Pre-licensed clinicians face financial barriers to completing required supervision. * Workforce shortages contribute to long wait times and unmet mental health needs. * Targeted workforce development improves long-term service capacity. == Workforce Development Component == This amendment strengthens the behavioral health workforce by: * Removing cost barriers to required clinical supervision. * Supporting professional licensure pathways. * Encouraging clinicians to practice locally after licensure. * Expanding the regional provider pipeline. == Regional Impact == * Expands free and low-cost mental health services. * Reduces appointment wait times. * Increases licensed provider availability. * Strengthens community-based behavioral health infrastructure. * Improves outcomes for low-income and uninsured populations. == Talking Points == * This amendment grows our mental health workforce and service capacity. * It helps clinicians complete licensure requirements without financial hardship. * It expands free behavioral health care in Planning District 16. * It is a modest, targeted investment with long-term benefits. * It addresses a documented regional provider shortage. == Accountability and Use of Funds == Funds may be used for: * Clinical supervision services * Program expansion * Workforce development * Direct outpatient care All expenditures are subject to standard state grant oversight and reporting requirements. == Related Pages == * [[Presented Budget Amendments 2026]] * [[Item_179_3H_UMWMWHC_Medical_School_Planning]] * [[Item_67_1H_Compensation_Board_Study_Disabled_Veteran_Tax_Exemption_Workload]] [[Category:2026 Budget Amendments]]

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