Department of Behavioral Healthcare Services

Serving the Portsmouth Community Providing mental health,
intellectual disability, substance abuse and co-occurring services
to the citizens of Portsmouth since 1969.

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in the Portsmouth Department of Behavioral Healthcare Services.
If you are interested in obtaining services, please contact:
Central Intake Office at (757) 393-5357 and/or walk in Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for screening [at the BHS Main Office located at 1811 King Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704].

Emergency Services

If experiencing a psychiatric emergency with thoughts of harming self and/or others, please call:
Crisis Hotline at (757) 393-8990 immediately.
(Emergency services are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week.)

History

Since 1969, DBHS has worked with the other thirty-nine Community Services Boards throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide comprehensive services for individual with mental health, intellectual disability, substance abuse and/or co-occurring disorders. Advisory Board members are appointed by City Council and volunteer their time to be sure we are meeting the vision: "The citizens of Portsmouth will recognize the Department as a leader in professional behavioral healthcare and choose us because of our exceptionally effective, caring and affordable services."

Priority Population

DBHS gives precedence to the following Priority Populations with intellectual disabilities, mental health and/or substance use disorder; pregnant females, intravenous (IV) drug users; HIV+, and individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis, have been discharged from a psychiatric hospital or state training facility, and/or diverted from a psychiatric hospital or jail.   Individuals are assessed and triaged within 24 hours of contact with the agency.  

Mission

The Portsmouth Department of Behavioral Healthcare Services (DBHS) provides prevention, treatment and support services that:

The Portsmouth Department of Behavioral Healthcare Services:
providing excellence, and promoting independence, and recovery.

The mission of the Portsmouth Department of Behavioral Healthcare Services is to promote independence, recovery, and positive outcomes for those we serve, through excellence in the delivery of integrated Mental Health, Intellectual Disability and Substance Abuse, and Co-Occurring services. We accomplish this by:

Accurately assessing and meeting the needs of the whole person

Providing seamless, integrated services that are accessible and fairly priced

Recognizing and effectively utilizing the talent, passion, and commitment of our professional and support staff

Effectively communicating with our stakeholders

Promoting full participation by our staff and those they serve, empowering all to reach their highest human potential