Same Day Access (Children's Behavioral Health)
It's OK to ask for help!
Arlington County is committed to providing quality care and service to the members of our community. When it comes to mental health and substance use needs there are often challenges to accessing services when people are most in need and motivated to begin the recovery process. We are pleased to announce that our Same Day Access hours of operation have been extended to offer mental health and substance use services that are more accessible for members of the community.
Access our services in a way that best works for you!
- Drop-in for an assessment without an appointment (hours below)
- Call us for consultations, questions, or to schedule an appointment at 703-228-1560
Telehealth and in-person services are available.
Same Day Access Assessment hours:
| Monday |
10 A.M. - 2 P.M. |
Drop-In Only* |
| Tuesday |
10 A.M. - 2 P.M. |
Scheduled Appointments |
| Wednesday |
10 A.M. - 2 P.M. |
Scheduled Appointments |
| 3 P.M. - 6 P.M. |
Drop-In Only* |
| Thursday |
10 A.M. - 2 P.M. |
Scheduled Appointments |
| Friday |
10 A.M. - 2 P.M. |
Scheduled Appointments |
*Intakes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, until daily capacity is met. We encourage arriving early during drop-in hours.
Visit Us:
2100 Washington Blvd., 3rd Floor
Arlington, VA 22204
Map and Directions
There is free parking in the garage adjacent to the building or you may utilize the metered street parking just outside the building. The office is also easily accessible by public transportation off the following bus lines: ART 42, 77, and 45 and Metro 16Y.
Financial Information:
We accept and prioritize youth with Medicaid insurance or those who are uninsured.
If you have private insurance, please call Same Day Access or contact your insurance provider to help you navigate our services.
Services are offered on a sliding scale based on income.
An intake is necessary to determine if a youth is eligible for our treatment services. The services we offer are:
What can my child and I expect?
Legal guardians and/or youth who are interested in seeking mental health or substance use treatment services can access a service eligibility assessment/intake on a drop-in basis, without an appointment or call to schedule an appointment. During this assessment it will be determined if the youth meets criteria to be referred to a treatment within the agency.
If you and your child drop-in (without an appointment):
- Sign in at the reception area and let the receptionist know you are here for Same Day Access/Intake for mental health or substance use treatment.
- The legal guardian will then receive a packet of forms to fill out to gather basic information about the youth.
- Youth and guardian will be seen by a Customer Account Specialist where basic insurance information will be gathered to determine fees.
- Youth and guardian will then meet with a clinician to determine service eligibility and will be referred as appropriate. Youth and guardian may meet together and/or individually with the clinician, as appropriate.
- If referred for Children’s Behavioral Health Services, after the clinical interview there will be a nursing health screen done to collect basic health information. The health screen broadly evaluates the individual’s health status, medical history, medications, and body mass index (BMI). The nurse also measures the individual’s vital signs to acquire baseline measurements for the record. Expect to have a basic health screen and obtain appropriate community referrals for primary health care as needed. This may be declined.
Can I fill out the forms before I come in?
Yes, you can fill out your forms ahead of time. You can print and fill out the following forms and bring them for your visit.
How do I prepare my child?
- Please plan to be at the appointment for 2 - 3 hours for scheduled appointments or 3 - 4 for drop-ins.
- Bring your child (please be aware that there is no childcare for the child that is having the intake or other children).
- Bring snacks, if needed, for your child.
- Please bring: proof of residency, identification, financial documents, previous emotional/psychological/educational evaluations.
What do I bring?
- Photo ID: for example, DMV or other government-issued photo ID, school or work picture ID
- Proof of address: for example, recent bill, probation & parole letter, homeless/shelter verification, mail addressed to you within the last month
- Proof of income: for example, last two paystubs, W-2, social security eligibility letter
- Insurance card
- Hospital discharge paperwork
- Prior mental health/substance use treatment records
Are services available in my language?
Children’s Behavioral Healthcare employs Spanish speaking bilingual clinicians. Interpretation services are also available when a bilingual clinician is not available. Interpretation is also available for other languages through a partnership with Language Line.
How long does it take?
Youth and legal guardian should expect for the initial intake appointment to take between 2 - 3 hours for scheduled appointments and 3 - 4 for drop-ins.
Where do I call if I have any questions?
Call 703-228-1560 if you have questions.
Can my child receive psychiatric medication?
You will not see a psychiatrist during the intake appointment and medications will not be prescribed. Referrals for psychiatric appointments will be provided once a client has connected with a case manager or therapist. Emergency psychiatric appointments will be arranged as needed. Clients must engage in mental health or substance use treatment to receive medications. We do not offer medication only service.
I am a professional, can I refer a youth and/or family that I am working with?
Yes, to make a referral please fill out this online Referral Form and submit a Release of Information form, available in English(PDF, 335KB) and Spanish(PDF, 140KB), and then e-mail it to cbhbinfo@arlingtonva.us. A copy of your Referral Form responses will be emailed to the referral source once completed.
You can alternatively ask the legal guardian to contact 703-228-1560 to schedule an intake or visit us during drop-in hours.
NOTE: If you are a legal guardian or youth requesting services, you do not need to fill out this form.