Benicia Hernandez moved Life's Journey Mental Health Services into a larger office, hired more staff and expanded services to better accommodate the growing mental health needs in the region especially after Christian Psychotherapy Services unexpectedly shuttered its doors last month.
A mental health crisis in Hampton Roads? Doctors, patients reveal challenges for growing number of people seeking help
Doctors say there’s a growing demand for mental healthcare. Some people are waiting months to see a therapist following the closure of the region s largest provider. Author: Evan Watson Updated: 6:22 PM EST February 24, 2021
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. With the sudden closure of Hampton Roads’ largest mental healthcare provider in January, physicians and patients say the region is facing a mental health crisis.
Some people are now waiting months to see a therapist, reflecting a growing demand for mental healthcare during the pandemic, but a system that may not have the capacity to provide treatment to everyone in need.
Christian Psychotherapy Services had more than 100 employees and thousands of patients spread across four offices in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News and Suffolk. It closed without warning Jan. 8.
Finding a mental health provider during a pandemic
Taking Action for Your Health
and last updated 2021-01-20 16:52:22-05
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. â Itâs no secret that mental health services are in high demand now. In Hampton Roads, the search may be even more difficult for some after the sudden closure of Christian Psychotherapy Services, which treats thousands of clients.
Carmen Wolf, a therapist with Atlantic Family and Adolescent Therapy, says they are 99.9% at capacity; however, she wanted to offer advice so everyone who needs it can find quality care.
Wolf suggests finding a service thatâs compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA. This will ensure records remain confidential. She also recommends using a therapist who is fully licensed or is supervised by a licensed clinician.
Local Christian psychotherapy provider suddenly closes all locations over weekend
Company citing financial hardship
and last updated 2021-01-15 18:45:44-05
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. â A major provider in mental healthcare services in Hampton Roads has suddenly closed.
Christian Psychotherapy Services has multiple locations: Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Newport News.
News 3 went to the Town Center location in Virginia Beach on Monday and discovered the doors were locked. Multiple patients came by only to notice the business had been closed. A few workers were seen carrying out boxes.
One therapist, Dr. W. Lawrence Daniels, posted on social media to let everyone know about the closure. He said it happened Saturday evening and that it was a shock to the therapists.