Mental health resources, research, and statistics in Fredericksburg, Virginia

The State of Mental Health in Fredericksburg, VA

Fredericksburg, Virginia, paints a complex picture when it comes to mental health. On one hand, the city is supported by a wide network of resources, ranging from nonprofit organizations and local clinics to support groups and emergency hotlines. On the other, the data reveals a community grappling with persistent mental health challenges and access barriers.

Fredericksburg ranks highest in Virginia for the average number of mentally unhealthy days, with one in six adults (16%) reporting that their mental health was poor for two weeks or more in a given month. These figures are reinforced by the statistic that nearly 23% of adults in the area are living with a mental health condition—significantly higher than national averages.

Despite the demand, access to care continues to be a concern. Nearly 10% of adults are uninsured, and cost remains the leading barrier, with 47.1% of adults statewide citing affordability as the reason they couldn’t get the help they needed. Mental health symptoms are widespread—36.9% of Virginia adults reported experiencing anxiety or depression as recently as 2021—yet over one-fifth of those individuals were unable to access therapy or counseling services.

In Fredericksburg, support-seeking patterns show the majority of individuals pursuing care through Thriveworks were female-identifying (63%), and the largest age group seeking care was 35–44 years old (26%). Google search trends for mental health issues in the area are currently at a recent all-time low, suggesting either a decrease in online help-seeking behaviors or possible stigma and awareness gaps within the community.

From crisis hotlines like 988 and Rappahannock Area Community Services Board Emergency Services, to local nonprofits such as Mental Health America Fredericksburg Region and Empowerhouse, Fredericksburg has built a foundation of care. However, these statistics make it clear: Increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and improving affordability and access must remain priorities for a healthier community.

Mental Health Resources in Fredericksburg, VA

In addition to professional care, Fredericksburg offers a range of resources for those in need of mental health support. These include emergency services, local helplines, non-profit organizations, and support groups that provide assistance outside of traditional clinical settings. Whether you’re seeking immediate help or long-term support, the following resources can guide you to the care you seek in Fredericksburg.

Emergency Services 

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 7-1-1 for TTY users or text 9-8-8
• Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 (Available 24/7)
• Veterans Crisis Line: Call 9-8-8 and press 1 or text 838255
• Rappahannock Area Community Services Board Emergency Services: 540 373-6876

Not-for-profits

• The JED Foundation
• SAM Foundation
• NAMI Virgina
• Mental Health America Fredericksburg Region
• Mental Health Virginia

Local Clinics and Hotlines 

• SAMHSANational Helpline: Call 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357)
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Text or Call 833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233) or Text “LOVEIS” to 22522 or call 866-331-9474 or 800-787-3224 for TTY users
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Text or Call 800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453)
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673) or chat here
• Fredericksburg Regional Homelessness Helpline: 540-358-5801
• Empowerhouse, Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence: 540 373-9372
• Add any other local hotlines in the area

Support Groups  

• Rappahannock Area Community Services Board/Hope Starter
• Nami Support Groups
• MHAFred
• Mary Washington Healthcare Cancer Center Support Groups

Mental Health Statistics in Fredericksburg, VA

Mental health is a significant concern in Fredericksburg, with many residents affected by various mental health conditions. While services are available, gaps in access to care remain. Below, we highlight key statistics that illustrate the mental health landscape in Fredericksburg, including prevalence rates, common issues, and local service usage. These data offer valuable insight into the city’s mental health needs and the ongoing efforts to address them.

• 9.9% of adults are uninsured in Fredericksburg area.¹
• 22.8% of adults in Fredericksburg have mental health conditions.¹
• “From 2020 to 2021, 16% of adults stated that their mental health was not good for 14 days or more in the past 30 days.²
• “In 2023, 20.4% adults in Virginia reported being told by a health professional that they had a depressive disorder, including depression, major depression, minor depression or dysthymia.”³
• In February 2021, 36.9% of adults in Virginia reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. Of those that reported, 22.2% were unable to get needed counseling or therapy.⁴
• “Of the 382,000 adults in Virginia who did not receive needed mental health care, 47.1% did not because of cost.”⁴
• Of all the people that booked an appointment with Thriveworks in Fredericksburg in the last year, 63% were female-identifying, 29% were male-identifying, and 8% were unknown or non-binary.⁵
• Age breakdown of those who sought mental health care with Thriveworks over the last year in Fredericksburg⁵
  • Ages 18-25: 15%
  • Ages 26-34: 21%
  • Ages 35-44: 26%
  • Ages 45-64: 20%
  • Ages 65+: 5%
• According to Google, search trends around mental health issues in Fredericksburg are at a recent all-time low.⁶