Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) is licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and is the statutorily established public entity responsible for providing mental health, intellectual disabilities, and substance abuse and prevention services to the citizens of the City of Richmond. Services are provided directly by RBHA staff and through contracts with private providers in the community.
RBHA was established in July 1996 by resolution of the City Council of the City of Richmond. Prior to that time, RBHA's services were included as part of City government. The Authority stands as an independent quasi-government entity, governed by the Board of Directors through the Chief Executive. Funding is received through fees from consumers, the Commonwealth of Virginia, local and state grants, and the City of Richmond.
In FY2019, RBHA provided critical behavioral and primary medical services to nearly 13,000 individuals – that’s over 5% of the population of the City of Richmond. Approximately 30% of RBHA consumers have no Medicaid, insurance, or other means of paying for vital services.
RBHA also serves as the fiscal and administrative agent for an array of programs that serve all seven Community Services Boards in the central Virginia region. The participating CSBs in Region 4 are Chesterfield, Crossroads (Farmville area), District 19 (Petersburg area), Goochland-Powhatan, Hanover, Henrico Area, and the RBHA. These programs have proven to fill critical needs throughout Region 4 and have been growing tremendously in recent years.