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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/

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.

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.

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.

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