Community Resources

Find the preventative resources you need.

When you need them most.

Adult Prevention Resources

Adult Prevention Resources

  • 5 Bridges to Wellness dives deep into wholistic wellness strategies through workshops, coaching, and trainings that help you to create self-care roadmap customized by you! Prince William County Behavioral Health and Wellness Department is providing these trainings free of charge starting January 2021. For more information, contact Heather Martinsen at hmartinsen@pwcgov.org.
  • Action In Community Through Service (ACTS) PWC provides relief services and promotes self-sufficiency for our Prince William area neighbors in crisis through human services such as Emergency Assistance,  Food Assistance, Housing, and  Thrift Store  needs. and crisis services Crisis Helpline, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Suicide Loss Support.
    • For Immediate help call: (703) 368-4141
  • Mental Health America (MHA) developed its 2020 Back to School Toolkit to help students, parents, and school personnel navigate the uncharted waters of COVID-19.
  • Mental Health America (MHA)  also provides information on mental health, getting help, taking-action and Online Screening Tools for anxiety, bi-polar disorder, and co-occurring conditions to help you live mentally healthy.
  • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a for-cost course that teaches you how to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. The training helps you identify, understand, and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a leader in stigma reduction efforts for mental illness who have tips on how to help a person with mental illness, recognize the warning signs, additional mental health education, peer-led programs, skills training and support. See content in Spanish. 
  • NAMI Prince William offers various presentations, education programs/classes and support groups right here in Prince William for adults, youth, families, and schools created to raise awareness and provide valuable resources for individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition and their families.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has created Stigma-Free Company Video: Improving Workplace Well-Being, a video-led group discussion tool for workplaces and teams.
  • National Empowerment Center exists to carry a message of recovery, empowerment, hope and healing to those diagnosed with a mental illness through information and advocacy resources.
  • National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) provides information about eating disorders, how to seek treatment and support groups for people suffering from eating disorders and their families.
  • Novant Health UVA Health System Prince William Medical Center provides a variety of inpatient behavioral health services such detox, Substance Abuse IOP, Outpatient psychiatry and therapy. See the numbers below to make an appointment.
    • Inpatient Access: 703-369-8864.
    • Substance Use IOP: 703-369-8404
    • Outpatient Access: 703-369-8152
  • Park Rx America is a non-profit organization whose mission is to decrease the burden of chronic disease, increase health and happiness, and foster environmental stewardship, by virtue of prescribing Nature during the routine delivery of healthcare. Find a multitude of  multilingual resources for all ages including the latest research on how 'being outdoors' positively impacts brain health, reduces hypertension, prevents obesity, and even reduces inequalities/disparities among other benefits.
    • Greater Prince William County is home to a variety of different paths and trails located in the parks and along roads throughout the county.
  • Prince William County Community Services offers adult mental health services which provide case management, therapy services, discharge planning assistance, psychiatric services and more to individuals seeking mental health assistance and/or treatment.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released a new mobile app, My Mental Health Crisis Plan, which allows individuals who have serious mental illness (SMI) to create a plan to guide their treatment during a mental health crisis.
  • The Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension of Greater Prince William offers a variety of free programs and classes for residents , parents, and youth including their financial planning classes, family/parenting classes, agricultural education classes, Master Gardeners program, 4-H and more.
  • Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services offers care coordinator as a resource to help you make sure you are getting the health services you need.  Your care coordinator works with you to create a personalized care plan to meet your health needs and preferences, and helps answer questions about your health care. Care coordinators can also:
    • help you find a new provider or specialist;
    • help you access needed community resources and social services;
    • improve communication between your providers through care team meetings;
    • monitor your progress toward meeting your goals.
    If you need assistance or want more information, call your health plan’s care coordinator (CC) at one of the numbers listed below.
    • Aetna Better Health of Virginia: 1-855-652-8249; press #1 and ask for CC
    • Anthem HealthKeepers Plus: 1-855-323-4687; press #4; TTY: 711
    • Magellan Complete Care: 1-800-424-4524
    • Optima Health: 1-866-546-7924; or 757-552-8398
    • UnitedHealthcare: 1-866-622-7982
    • Virginia Premier: 1-877-719-7358
  • Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP) is a statewide mental health access program designed to help health care providers take better care of children and adolescents with mental health conditions by increasing access to child psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and care navigators. They also have a variety of mental health resources.
  • Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) is proud to announce the Empower Series —a collection of virtual events and workshops aimed to help youth, advocates, and decision makers empower themselves and others to make healthy choices.
  • The Women’s Center has partnered with the Human Services Alliance of Greater Prince William and the Federal Government, to offer affordable counseling to the residents of Prince William. The Center’s counseling services are offered on a sliding scale to match the budget of each Prince William resident who seeks help. Call to make an appointment at (571) 385-1625.

  • A Recovery Team's Toolkit is a locally developed platform created to help 'Build Resilience in Families Affected by Opioid Use Disorder' containing educational printables, local family support groups, helpful websites, and more!

  • AlcoholScreening.org is a tool developed by the Boston University School of Public Health. It includes an online test about your own, or someone else’s, level of alcohol use, including advice about cutting down or getting professional treatment. This screening is not meant to take the place of a physician. Please consult with your primary physician before making any changes to your care plan.
  • Addiction Center provides a diverse information center catered to teenagers, college students, and families on substance use addiction, mental health, and related health issues.
  • American Addiction Centers has free guides and resources for Veterans that could prove helpful to individuals suffering from substance addiction including their Veterans Drug Rehab Guide, Free Virtual Support Meetings, resources on Suicide Among Veterans, and a Treatment For Veterans Guide.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides ideas about how to stop using tobacco including downloadable resources and contacts for online and phone counseling.
  • The CDC also provides the Surgeon General's Report on Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults. Also available in Spanish.
  • Curb the Crisis was developed by caring professionals in Northern Virginia to provide assistance for those who want to seek help for themselves or a friend. Here you can find treatment options in Virginia, learn more about opioids and signs of abuse / misuse, how to recognize if someone has overdosed, and how to support someone who is in recovery.
  • The Central Virginia Overdose Working Group and the  Attorney General's office has partnered to create a powerful sharing platform 'Stories over Stigma', a social activation that allows people in recovery and family members who have lost a loved one to share their stories and change the conversation.
  • Community Coalitions of Virginia in partnership with the Roanoke Prevention Alliance have partnered to provide our community with data-driven facts on the emerging trends and possible impacts of marijuana legalization including changes in the workforce, insurance costs, and other financial-related impacts. These One-Pagers can be found here.
  • Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility provides the resources and tools to help end drunk driving, and help yourself and those around you make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. Here you can find a blood alcohol content (BAC) calculator, AKA the "Virtual Bar", which utilizes the latest science to help you get a better understanding of how different factors affect your BAC depending on your gender, weight, the food you eat, and what and how you drink throughout the night, as well as other important variables. It also gives you a sense of how long it would take for your BAC to return to 0.00, which may be surprising.
  • Virginia Navigator, Health Quality Innovators, and partners have developed a virtual program, Mind Your Meds: Safe Opioid Medication Use and Disposal to engage and empower participants, especially who are isolated in rural areas, to properly use and dispose of Opioids/narcotics.
  • Mental Health America has developed an Addiction Screening Tool (Alcohol and substance use test) to help determine if your use of alcohol or drugs is an area to address.
  • Partnership to End Addiction provides substance use support for parents to better understand risk factors for addiction, brain development and behavior, and ‘what is normal?’ when it comes to teen behaviors.
  • Plan Against Pain is a Choices Matter resource that provides individuals with the information they need to build their own personal treatment/recovery plan, a toolbox of webinars and further resources with patient testimonials from others who have taken the pledge against Opioid overprescribing and addiction.
  • Prince William County Community Services is the place to find virtual recovery meetings, resources, and adult services for substance use disorder support.
  • REVIVE! is Virginia’s Opioid Overdose Response training created to educate lay community members on how to respond during an opioid overdose emergency. Prince William Community Services is offering a free online class that will provide the knowledge and confidence you need to potentially save a life during an opioid overdose emergency.
  • Regional Campaign for Prescription Drug Awareness created in partnership by Behavioral Health and Wellness Departments across Northern Virginia to provide education for the lay community with the campaign Speak Out. Opt. Out. Throw Out. This site provides a range of resources and education on opioid risk reduction for individuals and families.
  • Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) has developed a comprehensive toolkit, one pagers, a national-level marijuana legalization report, and additional credible information on the implications of recreational marijuana use and legalization.
  • Truth Initiative is dedicated to seeking, speaking, and spreading the truth on smoking, vaping, and nicotine. Here you can find tools to help quit smoking nd vaping.
    • Parents can text QUIT to (202) 899-7550 to sign up to receive text messages designed specifically for parents of vapers.
    • Teens and young adults can use "This is Quitting" a free quit-vaping and quit-smoking mobile program designed specifically for teens and young adults by texting DITCHJUUL to 88709. 
  • Action In Community Through Service (ACTS) PWC provides relief services and promotes self-sufficiency for our Prince William area neighbors in crisis through human services such as Emergency Assistance,  Food Assistance, Housing, and  Thrift Store  needs. and crisis services Crisis Helpline, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Suicide Loss Support.
    • For Immediate help call: (703) 368-4141.
  • The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention shares real-life stories about the impact of suicide on families and communities, addresses risk factors and warning signs, statistics and treatment, and how to report about it responsibly.
  • American Association of Suicidology resource center has an array of facts and statistics sheets, shareable graphics, and specific resources for suicide loss survivors as well as suicide attempt survivors.
  • Connor Strong Foundation works to bring awareness to mental health issues and suicide prevention by providing a variety of online resources as well as activities, apps, and media.
    • Their Help is At Hand Support Guide is dedicated to those grieving the death of someone they love. This guide has been designed to help you to choose when and what sections are most appropriate for you.
  • David J Cobb Foundation was created to break the silence of teen suicide by fostering positive relationships and encouraging open discussions between teens and the community through a variety of educational events, support groups, and programs offered in Greater Prince William. For immediate help you can test “START” to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8355).
    • The Life After Loss Support Group was created to bring suicide loss survivors together in a non-judgmental, relaxed setting to show support for each other and help each other cope with our loss. This support group is open to anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one.  It is facilitated by a suicide loss survivor and is a safe place to share stories, ask questions and learn from others. The meetings take place the last Wednesday of every month from 7:00pm – 8:00pm via Google Hangout/Zoom. If interested in attending, email info@djcfoundation.org to receive meeting information.
    • The Parents of Suicide Loss Support Group was created to bring together parents who have lost a child to suicide to show support for each other and help each other cope with loss.  This support group is open to anyone who has suffered the loss of a child to suicide.  The group is co-facilitated by a suicide loss survivor mom and a suicide prevention advocate.  This is a safe place to share stories, ask questions and learn from others. The meetings take place the first Sunday of every month from 1:00pm – 2:00pm and are located at ACTS, 9317 Grant Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110.
  • Lifeline Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, connecting individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat. All chat centers in the Lifeline network are accredited by CONTACT USA. Lifeline Chat is available 24/7 across the U.S.
  • Mental Health America as part of the Campaign for America’s Mental Health has developed a Depression Screening website to educate people about clinical depression, offer a confidential way for people to get screened for symptoms of depression and guide people toward appropriate professional help if necessary.
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has created a list of shareable resources to raise awareness about suicide prevention so that everyone can play a role in preventing suicide by adding suicide prevention messages to our virtual-social platforms.
  • QPR Institute is a premier authority for suicide awareness and prevention with trainings offered by Prince William County Community Services. This training helps build our community’s network of QPR-trained Gatekeepers who are able to recognize the warning signs of suicide, know how to offer hope, and know how to get help and save a life. To register for an upcoming training contact Heather Martinsen at hmartinsen@pwcgov.org.
  • The Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia has developed a brief Screening Tool as a quick way to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional. Think of these as a checkup from your neck up. This program is completely anonymous and confidential, and immediately following the brief questionnaire you will see your results, recommendations, and key resources.
  • The Suicide Prevention Resource Center was created by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) which provides an array of information about suicide, it’s risk and protective factors, warning signs, effective prevention strategies, available resources, programs, and trainings available to the general public.
  • Action In Community Through Service (ACTS) PWC provides relief services and promotes self-sufficiency for our Prince William area neighbors in crisis through human services such as Emergency Assistance,  Food Assistance, Housing, and  Thrift Store  needs. and crisis services Crisis Helpline, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Suicide Loss Support.
    • For Immediate help call: (703) 368-4141
  • Children’s Regional Crisis Response (CR2) provides 24-hour rapid response to all youth (21 and younger) who may be facing a mental health and/or substance use crisis through phone screenings and face-to-face assessment, intervention, and support so that your child and family may continue with life as planned.
  • English as a Second Language and Immigrant Ministries (ESLIM) provides ESL classes taught at various locations throughout Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia, with some locations providing childcare.
  • Formed Families Forward provides a foster, adoptive and kinship Family Sensitivity Training on Building LGBTQ Awareness and Acceptance. Click here to register. Many more trainings and support groups for families, parents, and youth can be found on the Formed Families Forward events page.
  • Northern Virginia Family Service will be accepting applications for the Rent and Mortgage Relief Program through November 30, 2020. Starting in December 2020 the application process will be centralized through a State wide call center. Additional information about how to apply will be made available. Please check this site for updates.
  • Prince William County Community Services can help you find a local provider covered by your insurance. (NOTE: If you have insurance, start with your company’s list of in-network providers. Ask your primary care provider for a referral to one of the local providers listed above.) 
  • People Incorporated is offering Internet Connectivity and Tax Preparation Assistance to residents of Prince William County, the Cities of of Manassas, and Manassas Park.
    • For more information on the Connectivity program, call 833-962-2039.
    • For more information on the Free Tax Prep program, call 276-619-2235.
  • Regional Education Assessment Crisis Services Habilitation (REACH) Program is the statewide crisis system of care that is designed to create individualized supportive interventions to prevent and/or de-escalate future crisis situations and meet the crisis support needs of adults and children who have a developmental disability and are experiencing crisis events which put them at risk for homelessness, incarceration, hospitalization, and/or danger to self or others. For immediate assistance call Region II (Northern) REACH Hotline: (855) 897-8278 or contact Adult & Child REACH Director: Liv Salvador for more information.
  • Virginia Career Works Prince William Center provides support services for job searching in Prince William no matter your qualifications  and assistance with unemployment compensation filing.
  • Virginia Cooperative Extension is a research-based cooperation of local, state and federal governments in partnership with tens of thousands of citizens. Our programs strengthen families and help protect the environment to provide educational programs designed to enable families to better manage resources, help youth become self-directing, contributing and productive members of society, and improve the impact of urban horticulture on the environment.
  • Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services offers care coordinator as a resource to help you make sure you are getting the health services you need.  Your care coordinator works with you to create a personalized care plan to meet your health needs and preferences, and helps answer questions about your health care. Care coordinators can also:
    • help you find a new provider or specialist;
    • help you access needed community resources and social services;
    • improve communication between your providers through care team meetings;
    • monitor your progress toward meeting your goals.
    If you need assistance or want more information, call your health plan’s care coordinator (CC) at one of the numbers listed below.
    • Aetna Better Health of Virginia: 1-855-652-8249; press #1 and ask for CC
    • Anthem HealthKeepers Plus: 1-855-323-4687; press #4; TTY: 711
    • Magellan Complete Care: 1-800-424-4524
    • Optima Health: 1-866-546-7924; or 757-552-8398
    • UnitedHealthcare: 1-866-622-7982
    • Virginia Premier: 1-877-719-7358
  • Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) has created a series of Interactive SignUpNow workshops that highlight important changes to Medicaid/FAMIS in light of the public health emergency. Workshops will also cover the “ins and outs” of the eligibility requirements, application procedures, and post-enrollment information for Virginia’s Medicaid/FAMIS programs.
  • For those experiencing a Housing / Rent / Mortgage issues related to COVID-19, this site will help you generate the paperwork you need to notify your landlord (1) that you are struggling financially and (2) that current laws may not allow them to evict you.
  • Virginia has two state-funded sources for rent and mortgage relief: DHCD's Rent and Mortgage Relief Program for tenants or owners struggling to pay themselves and Virginia Housing’s Rent and Mortgage Relief program for Landlords/Property Owners to apply for assistance on behalf of their tenant(s).
  • Ask, Listen, and Learn has created a series of 7 videos, brain trivia, and games for elementary and middle school aged youth on the impact of alcohol on the brain.
  • Center on the Developing Child Resource Center, created by Harvard University, has an array of briefs and scientific-based articles to educate parents on child development-related information.
  • Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility was created to help parents and educators raise smart decision-makers, provide the tools to end drunk driving, and help yourself and those around you make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. Here you can find tools to help you talk to your kids, teens, and college students about the risks of alcohol consumption and driving under the influence.
  • The Inter-Agency Standing Committee has published a free children's book titled "My Hero is You: how kids can fight COVID-19!" to help children be safe, understand, and cope with their new environment and routine The book can also be downloaded in multiple languages.
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has created a Mind Matters series of 9 illustrated booklets with information for youth on how various substances affect the brain. These booklets are available in English and Spanish.
  • National Institution on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has created a YouTube Channel with quick videos that bring each drug topic to life and help reinforce key messages.
  • Park Rx America is a non-profit organization whose mission is to decrease the burden of chronic disease, increase health and happiness, and foster environmental stewardship, by virtue of prescribing Nature during the routine delivery of healthcare. Find a multitude of  multilingual resources for all ages including the latest research on how 'being outdoors' positively impacts brain health, reduces hypertension, prevents obesity, and even reduces inequalities/disparities among other benefits.
  • Scholastic has created an interactive game to help youth identify Hidden Home Hazards such as Over-The-Counter medications and a Digital Storybook: Medicine Safety in Real Life.
  • Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) has developed books and coloring books for early-childhood youth who are experiencing changes in their daily life/routine due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
  • Wingspan has developed a new website filled with a wide range of free evidence-based Social-emotional practical tips, activities and resources for parents and kids in early childhood.
  • The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has created a resources center that provides facts, trainings, research, and answers frequently asked questions by parents on family issues such as suicide, trauma, bullying, substance use and various mental illnesses such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, and autism.
  • The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention shares real-life stories about the impact of suicide on families and communities, addresses risk factors and warning signs, statistics and treatment, and how to report about it responsibly.
  • The Ask, Listen, and Learn program has created a community of resources for parents on having conversations with children about making healthy choices, the effects of alcohol on the developing brain, and how cannabis affects the developing brain.
  • The Center for Disease Control has created a valuable Parent Conversation Card on tobacco use.
  • Child Trends Research Organization shares relevant guidance and resources for 'Supporting children's emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic'.
  • Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) takes on a coordinated approach to Child health and brings together programs, modules, and resources for parents with children grades K-8th
  • Center on the Developing Child Resource Center, created by Harvard University, has an array of briefs and scientific-based articles to educate parents on child development-related information.
  • The Child Mind Institute has a multitude of family resources including parent guides, workshops, a information hub on common concerns, and 'Ask the Expert' forum where parents can have questions answered from a team of qualified clinicians.
  • Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Parenting Program is a free parent program created by Dr. Ross Greene using the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model to help parents navigate youth behavioral challenges through interactive help sessions such as a series of demonstration videos, Facebook groups, a web-based radio program, 'Share your Story' forum, and much more.
  • Common Sense Media has developed a comprehensive list of safe, online resources, books, TV, apps, and other hand-picked sources of fun, age-appropriate kids' sites and online games, along with "Need to Know" information for parents.
  • Consumer Healthcare Products Association has built a campaign of resources to prevent and reduce teen over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine abuse by talking to your teen, monitoring your medicines, and sharing resources.
  • The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has created a free Parent Toolkit as part of their Operation Prevention campaign to help parents start a conversation with their families on the dangers of drug use.
    • Also check out the DEA's newest video series, : Operation Prevention - Multi-Drug Exploratory, which has everything you need to share with your youth about substance use.
  • Eastern Virginia Medical School and VFHY has created the Rethink Vape campaign complete with resources for parents on 'how to talk to your teen about vaping'.
  • Fairfax County and NCS Connects provides live activities to keep students engaged and entertained during after-school hours each weekday from 3-6 p.m. for students in grades 1-6 and 7-12.
  • Formed Families Forward provides a foster, adoptive and kinship Family Sensitivity Training on Building LGBTQ Awareness and Acceptance. Click here to register. Many more trainings and support groups for families, parents, and youth can be found on the Formed Families Forward events page.
  • Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility was created to help parents and educators raise smart decision-makers, provide the tools to end drunk driving, and help yourself and those around you make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. Here you can find tools to help you talk to your kids, teens, and college students about the risks of alcohol consumption and driving under the influence.
  • Genomind is a leading advocate for mental health and personalized medicine who has created a free podcast Pandemic Tips for Parents: How to Manage Your Family's Mental Health and share some great advice on Ways to Help Your Child's Mental Health During COVID-19. 
  • Healthy Delaware has created a Social Media Calendar with ready-to-go posts, texts, and announcements for parents and teachers to share to help schools spread the word on the dangers of e-cigarettes.
  • The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) taskforce, The Why Inc. and the Prevention Alliance of Greater Prince William have collaborated to bring valuable information to our region's parents on the rising danger and risks of unmonitored youth screen time and have developed a Comprehensive Resource Packet to help parents set boundaries, start the conversation and educate their youth on how to practice caution and safety online.  Also available in Spanish.
  • The Innovation in Child and Family Wellness Research Group at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)  has developed the Rise Above  program which is a Trauma-Informed, Social-Emotional Learning and Substance Use Prevention Program that utilizes social-emotional learning to help youth cultivate life skills to help them overcome and thrive.
  • Johnny’s Ambassadors is an organization created to educate parents and teens about the dangers of today’s high-THC marijuana on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicide.
  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has developed a program, Power of Parents, that empowers parents of middle school and high school students to have ongoing, intentional conversations about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking and drug use.
  • Mental Health America (MHA) developed its 2020 Back to School Toolkit to help students, parents, and school personnel navigate the uncharted waters of COVID-19.
  • Mental Health First Aid has created information on Five Ways You Can Help Youth Take Care of Their Mental Health When Going Back to School.
  • Mental Health America has developed a Parent Screening Tool for parents of young people to determine if their child’s emotions, attention, or behaviors might be signs of a problem.
  • Natural High for parents provides a two-step tool for parents to engage their children in a discussion on living drug-free and substance abuse using Natural High Video Testimonials from powerful social influencers we all know and our kids look up to.
  • The National Institute of Health has developed a spectacular resource called 'Family Checkup: Positive Parenting Prevents Drug Abuse' which shares multiple effective strategies for parents to stay in tune with their children's needs and stay ahead of early substance use. This resource is also available in Spanish.
  • The National Counseling Group in Northern Virginia has developed a Functional Family Therapy (FFT) program, a highly successful, trauma-informed, and evidence-based family therapy model for at-risk youth, ages 11 to 18. FFT helps youth reduce disruptive and/or substance using behaviors, establish more pro-social and functional behaviors, and stay in school. To learn more more or set an appointment, call 703-257-5997.
  • The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the White House have partnered on a Keep Kids Safer Online webinar to empower parents to take the pledge to  do what they canto help safeguard the children in their life.
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shares helpful resources and information for parents on some of the most common safety problems novice teen drivers should avoid and how they can help to educate their teens before they hand them the keys.
  • NetSmartz is National Center on Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has developed a free online safety education program with age-appropriate videos and activities to help teach children how to be safer online, prevent victimization, and make safer choices on- and offline.
  • Park Rx America is a non-profit organization whose mission is to decrease the burden of chronic disease, increase health and happiness, and foster environmental stewardship, by virtue of prescribing Nature during the routine delivery of healthcare. Find a multitude of  multilingual resources for all ages including the latest research on how 'being outdoors' positively impacts brain health, reduces hypertension, prevents obesity, and even reduces inequalities/disparities among other benefits.
  • Partnership to End Addiction has an array of resources to help parents educate their children on the dangers of substance use during early developmental years.
  • Prince William County Public Schools offers support to it's students and their parents in a variety of ways. To learn how you and your child can take advantage of their many free resources, visit their webpage. Watch a video on available mental health services for elementary students.
  • Prince William Public Library offers a wide variety of online health-related resources for parents of children (Infant - 12 years) and young adults with an emphasis of mental health support.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has developed an application to help parents prepare and practice talking to their kids about one of the most important conversations you may ever have with your kids, about underage drinking. SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” app is available on desktop computers and on the go from the App Store. Also check out their customizable parent resources, discussion starter videos ad more.
  • Truth Initiative is dedicated to seeking, speaking, and spreading the truth on smoking, vaping, and nicotine. Here you can find tools to help quit smoking nd vaping.
    • Parents can text QUIT to (202) 899-7550 to sign up to receive text messages designed specifically for parents of vapers.
    • Teens and young adults can use "This is Quitting" a free quit-vaping and quit-smoking mobile program designed specifically for teens and young adults by texting DITCHJUUL to 88709. 
  • Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP) is a statewide mental health access program designed to help health care providers take better care of children and adolescents with mental health conditions by increasing access to child psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and care navigators. They also have a variety of mental health resources.
Adverse Childhood Experiences from VDH IVPP Video Microsites on Vimeo.
  • The American Psychological Association has published a roadmap for adapting to life-changing situations, trauma and stress.
  • The Child Mind Institute released an informative article for parents on "Helping Kids Understand the Riots at the Capital".
  • The Innovation in Child and Family Wellness Research Group at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)  has developed the Rise Above  program which is a Trauma-Informed, Social-Emotional Learning and Substance Use Prevention Program that utilizes social-emotional learning to help youth cultivate life skills to help them overcome and thrive.
  • The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has created a list of Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents which include both non-screen time and screen time activities.
  • The National Counseling Group in Northern Virginia has developed a Functional Family Therapy (FFT) program, a highly successful, trauma-informed, and evidence-based family therapy model for at-risk youth, ages 11 to 18. FFT helps youth reduce disruptive and/or substance using behaviors, establish more pro-social and functional behaviors, and stay in school. To learn more more or set an appointment, call 703-257-5997.
  • The Resilience Institute offers a comprehensive set of tools and resources to build resilience from book reviews to interviews, infographics, podcasts, videos and more!
  • The Trauma Informed Care Network (TICN) of Greater Prince William has been established to educate our lay community, teachers, professionals and all others on how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma can affect the development of children even before they are born. ACEs trainings provide individuals with the information needed to help deliver trauma-informed care and a trauma-informed approach to engaging with members of our community especially our developing youth. To register for an upcoming training contact Heather Martinsen at hmartinsen@pwcgov.org.
  • The Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) offers an introduction to Trauma and Resilience Webinar Series parts 1-5 designed to help understand trauma’s impact on health behaviors, how to build community and individual resilience. They also have a behavioral health Hub which shares new resources, tips, and thoughts related to behavioral health and self-care during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Youth Prevention Resources

Youth Prevention Resources

  • Want to Stay Above the influence and build a social environment for you that will help? Get connected with @abovetheinfluence on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr and other platforms to see what the facts are saying and what other kids are doing to stay original, be yourself, stay drug-free and say no to the status quo!
  • Johnny’s Ambassadors is an organization created to educate teens and young adults about the dangers of today’s high-THC marijuana on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicide.
  • Mental Health America (MHA) developed its 2020 Back to School Toolkit to help students, cope with unexpected changes and navigate the uncharted waters of COVID-19.
  • Mental Health America has also developed a Youth Screening Tool for young people (age 11-17) who are concerned that their emotions, attention, or behaviors might be signs of a problem and information, resources and tools to help you understand and improve your mental health.
  • The National Counseling Group in Northern Virginia has developed a Functional Family Therapy (FFT) program, a highly successful, trauma-informed, and evidence-based family therapy model for at-risk youth, ages 11 to 18. FFT helps youth reduce disruptive and/or substance using behaviors, establish more pro-social and functional behaviors, and stay in school. To learn more more or set an appointment, call 703-257-5997.
  • Prince William County Community Services’ New Horizons program provide mental health, substance use and co-occurring disorders therapeutic services as well as behavioral health wellness services to youth who are 18 or younger and their families an array of outpatient treatment options - therapeutic services at the Juvenile Detention Center, case management, discharge planning from state psychiatric hospitalizations and residential facilities as well as behavioral health wellness services for at-risk youth.
  • The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) is proud to announce the Empower Series —a collection of virtual events and workshops aimed to help youth empower themselves and others to make healthy choices.
  • The  Children's Regional Crisis Response (CR2) Line provides 24-hour rapid response to all youth (21 and younger) facing a mental health and/or substance use crisis. See webpage content in Spanish.
    • If you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis right call 844-627-4747 or 571-364-7390
  • Consumer Notice Organization notifies the public of harmful and poorly regulated products. Check out what they have to say about e-cigarettes.
  • Department of Health and Human Services has created “The Real Cost” campaign to give you what you need to know – real facts, so you can make your own decision about cigarettes, vapes, and dip.
  • Hanover Cares coalition chats with Regional Coordinator of VA Dept. of Health's Tobacco Control Program, to dispel some myths and talk about the facts around  vaping and whether or not that increases the risk of vulnerability to COVID-19 in a youtube interview.
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has created a Mind Matters series of illustrated booklets with information on how Nicotine, Tobacco, and Vaping affect the brain.
  • Rescue Agency has created Behind the Haze complete with interactive modules to help youth get real answers to real questions about tobacco and vaping. Get the facts you’ve been looking for and see the proof for yourself!
  • RETHINK VAPE.ORG has all the information you've been looking for to know what exactly are in vapes, the chemicals, the health risks, and why 'Big Tobacco' companies are not telling our youth the whole story.
  • Truth Initiative is dedicated to seeking, speaking, and spreading the truth on smoking, vaping, and nicotine. Here you can find tools to help quit smoking nd vaping.
    • Teens and young adults can use "This is Quitting" a free quit-vaping and quit-smoking mobile program designed specifically for teens and young adults by texting DITCHJUUL to 88709. 
    • Parents can text QUIT to (202) 899-7550 to sign up to receive text messages designed specifically for parents of vapers.
    • The Department of Health and Human Services has developed the Prevention for ME campaign to help youth understand the negative effects of marijuana on the body as well as other substances.
    • The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has created a new information resource called Operation Prevention - Multi-Drug Exploratory complete with videos to help you uncover the truth behind Marijuana use and other drugs.
    • Johnny’s Ambassadors is an organization created to educate teens and young adults about the dangers of today’s high-THC marijuana on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicide.
    • The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has created a Mind Matters series of illustrated booklets with information on how marijuana affects the brain.
  • Curb the Crisis was developed by caring professionals in Northern Virginia to provide assistance for those who want to seek help for themselves or a friend. Here you can find treatment options in Virginia, learn more about opioids and signs of abuse / misuse, how to recognize if someone has overdosed, and how to support someone who is in recovery.
  • The National Institute on Drug Abuse has created a Mind Matters series of illustrated booklets with information on how opioids and prescription stimulants affect the brain
  • Children’s Regional Crisis Response (CR2) provides 24-hour rapid response to all youth (21 and younger) who may be facing a mental health and/or substance use crisis through phone screenings and face-to-face assessment, intervention, and support so you may continue with life as planned.
  • Natural High was developed for you to introduce you to storytellers like Terry Kennedy, Bethany Hamilton, Kelly Slater, and others to give you a glimpse of life behind the spotlight and be real about relatable life challenges through videos, discussions, and activities.
  • The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has created a Mind Matters series of 9 illustrated booklets with information on how various substances affect the brain. These booklets are available in English and Spanish.
  • The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has created a series of resources and videos for teens and young adults that give you the facts on drugs. Check out these resources at Just Think Twice, Operation Prevention, and Get Smart About Drugs websites.
  • Ask, Listen, and Learn has a ton of videos, trivia games and more to show you how drining alcohol affects the different parts of your brain.
  • Action In Community Through Service (ACTS) can provide relief services and help Prince William area youth in crisis through human services such as Emergency Assistance,  Food Assistance, Housing, and  Thrift Store needs. and crisis services Crisis Helpline, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Suicide Loss Support.
    • For Immediate help call: (703) 368-4141
  • Curb the Crisis was developed by caring professionals in Northern Virginia to provide assistance for those who want to seek help for themselves or a friend. Here you can find treatment options in Virginia, learn more about opioids and signs of abuse / misuse, how to recognize if someone has overdosed, and how to support someone who is in recovery.
  • The National Counseling Group in Northern Virginia has developed a Functional Family Therapy (FFT) program, a highly successful, trauma-informed, and evidence-based family therapy model for at-risk youth, ages 11 to 18. FFT helps youth reduce disruptive and/or substance using behaviors, establish more pro-social and functional behaviors, and stay in school. To learn more more or set an appointment, call 703-257-5997.
  • NetSmartz, created by National Center on Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is a free online safety education program with age-appropriate videos and activities to share tips on how to be safer online, prevent victimization, and make safer choices on- and offline.
  • TeenCentral is a website powered by KidsPeace as a free and safe prevention and intervention resource specifically for youth where you you can find information on a variety of topics. You can also submit a story or post about any crisis, problem or situation you’re struggling with and receive a therapeutic support response within 24 hours, safely, anonymously, and free of charge.
  • Youth Engaged 4 Change is the hub for inspiring stories from other youth, tips and advice, articles, videos, podcasts, and more that you can filter by topic to find the information and inspiration you need to make the best decisions for you to build a bright and healthy future - with career advice too!
  • 4-H, A Youth Development Education Program of Virginia Cooperative Extension, is rich with learning experiences, learn-by-doing projects, local club programs, and 4-H camps, as well as at county, district, state, and national events in which young people partner with caring adults in a fellowship that emphasizes 4-H's "learning by doing" philosophy of youth development.
  • Healthy Communities, Healthy Youth
  • Prince William Healthy Communities, Health Youth (HCHY) has created a student L.E.A.D. Team to engage our community in prevention efforts and be a voice for change on behalf of their school and peers.
  • Virginia Career Works (WIOA Youth Program)  is open for youth and young adults in Prince William Area looking for employment.  The WIOA Youth Program assists eligible young adults ages 17-24 to gain the skills needed to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce through career development and educational support.
    • Make an appointment with their job search services here.
  • Youth Prevention Council is an extension of the Prevention Alliance of Greater Prince William Coalition where youth are empowered to recognize needs in their communities and given the platform, resources, and training to create positive change they can be proud of. There are no GPA requirements or prerequisites to join this council. An application, when available, can be found on the Prevention Alliance webpage .

Start the Conversation

The Prevention Alliance of Greater Prince William fully encourages parents, families, youth and friends to start the conversation by utilizing the resources listed above to show empathy, eliminate stigma, and respond with care when supporting someone who is experiencing a mental health problem, thoughts of suicide, substance use addiction, or related challenges. To learn more tools and strategies to better support yourself or individuals in your life, check out our community calendar to find a variety of virtual trainings free of charge that can help you start the conversation.

Can’t find the resources you are looking for? Let us know. We’d like to help you find what you need! In the meantime, you may also find services and local resources here.

This Northern Virginia Family Resource Directory is provided as a free service to families and professionals by Formed Families Forward with financial support of SCAN of Northern Virginia. The Directory provides information and contact information for organizations, agencies and private practices offering programs, services and other resources for children, youth and families. There is a special focus on providers who serve families formed by adoption, foster care and kinship care who are raising children and youth with disabilities and other special needs.