Resources
When to call 911:
For a medical or life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Important: In Northern Virginia, request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained officer for a mental-health–informed response. These officers have received additional training to help deescalate situations safely.
When to call 988 (or text CONNECT to 855-11):
For a mental-health crisis when the person is safe enough that they do not need immediate medical or police intervention, call 988 for free, confidential crisis and suicide prevention hotline and textline offering crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and support to individuals experiencing emotional trauma, personal crises, and family crises.
When to call Community Regional Crisis Response (CR2): 703-527-4077
For behavioral crisis that may require in-person crisis assessment, call CR2. They attempt to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and police involvement.
When to call Virginia Regional Education Assessment Crisis Services Habilitation (REACH) at 855-897-8278:
For behavioral crisis with someone who has a developmental disability (e.g. autism, ADHD, intellectual disability) that may require in-person crisis assessment, call REACH. They attempt to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and police involvement. They can also divert to short-term crisis and transitional housing. This is a free service.
LGBTQIA+ Resources
INOVA Pride Clinic: 703-522-1175
Website: https://www.inova.org/locations/inova-primary-care/pride-clinic
The Pride Clinic provides primary care, gender-affirming care, and chronic disease management tailored to the needs of queer folks. It is in the building next door to my office.
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
Website: https://translifeline.org/
Trans and non-binary folks can call crisis or non-crisis support. The Lifeline is staffed 24/7 by trans and nonbinary peer support. They will not call 911 or emergency services without the caller’s consent. They also help connect people with resources. Check out their resource library as well.
Whitman Walker
Website: https://www.whitman-walker.org/
Whitman-Walker is a community health center in the D.C. area that provides affirming medical, mental health, and social services, with a longtime commitment to serving LGBTQIA+ communities. They offer primary care, HIV/STI testing and treatment, gender-affirming care, behavioral health services, and supportive programs regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
Neurodivergent Resources
The Arc of Northern Virginia
Website: https://thearcofnova.org/
Disability supports, help with special needs trusts, support for transition after high school, advocacy, and family resources.
At Peace Parents
Website: https://www.atpeaceparents.com/
Casey Ehrlich, PhD is a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) expert and mother of two PDA children. She provides parent (and grandparent) coaching and education through multiple platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, podcast, and through her website).
Georgetown Psychology - Parent Education Series
Website: https://georgetownpsychology.com/parent-education-series/
Georgetown Psychology offers a free workshop series designed to support parents in understanding their child’s emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs. It covers topics such as anxiety, executive functioning, ADHD, learning differences, and fostering resilience. Sessions are led by licensed psychologists and specialists, making the content accessible, practical, and grounded in current research. This is a great resource for parents seeking tools, guidance, and community support.
PDA Society
Website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/
The PDA Society is a leading UK-based organization dedicated to increasing understanding of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a profile within the autism spectrum. They provide research-informed education, practical guides, school resources, and support for families, educators, and professionals. Although based in the UK, their materials are widely used internationally and are especially helpful for understanding low-demand, autonomy-supportive approaches.