Stay tuned for information about our next Community Program!
March Program - Psychiatric Medications: General Information, New Updates, and Q&A
Navigating psychiatric medication can be complex, potentially frustrating, and looks different for every individual, caregiver, and family. Dr. Robert J. Gardella joins us to give an overview on basic psychopharmacology, talk about new psychiatric medications (including long-acting injectables), and engage in a Q&A conversation.
About Robert J. Gardella,MD, DABPN, DNBPS, CSOTP:
Dr. Gardella is a board certified Psychiatrist and serves as clinical faculty for the University of Virginia, VCU, JMU, Liberty University Walden University and South University. He is currently Assistant Medical Director, CME Director and Head of Treatment Team, Maximum Security Forensic Admissions, at Central State Hospital in Petersburg VA. He has over 28 years of inpatient state hospital experience, 6 years experience working as a staff psychiatrist at Valley Community Services Board and experience consulting and working in correctional psychiatry settings including 8 years at Staunton Correctional Center. He served as the Director of Continuing Medical Education for Western State Hospital from 1998-2018. He developed and currently directs the CSH Interdisciplinary Medical Education series and has directed the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services CME Affiliation with UVA since 2002. He was a member of the Virginia State P&T committee, the Commissioner’s special populations task force for forensic patients and actively worked to implement criminal justice/mental health consortium initiatives in Virginia. He currently serves on the State’s Forensic Review Panel. He was actively involved in EHR development and implantation for the DBHDS; he served as a physician co- chair and the “Physician Champion” of the state wide Electronic Health Record advisory council.
View our previous programs below!
Come learn a thing or four!
Encompassing a wide array of topics, events, and presentations, this series provides information for people living with a mental health condition, their family members and friends, and the general public. These meetings are designed not only to expand on topics covered in the Peer-to-Peer, Family-to-Family, and Basics courses, but also to introduce new information and activities not covered in the education programs. Previous meetings have encompassed panel talks with local doctors, pharmacists, and counselors, speaker events with individuals sharing their stories of recovery, and silent auctions.
NAMI Coastal Virginia
Due to COVID, Community Programs may be held virtually via Zoom or in a hybrid format.
To view our previous programs, see videos below or click here to view/subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Prior to the educational portion of the program when held in-person, there is a half hour social with light refreshments, providing an opportunity for fellowship and an occasion where, in a supportive environment, attendees can share similar lived experiences. For some, the program is a first introduction to NAMI. Providing food and fellowship creates a welcoming atmosphere.
To speak at or sponsor a meeting, please contact our office:
291 Independence Blvd. Suite 542
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
757-499-2041
contact@namicoastalvirginia.org
January 2022
We were so grateful to have had Todd McGehee present on the Marcus Alert initiative and the implementation of the 988 regional call center in our region. A special thanks also to Staci Young from the Western Tidewater Community Services Board for adding her perspective in response to the great questions that were asked.
View video and full description on YouTube for more info. For a downloadable version of the PowerPoint, click the button below.
July 2021
An engaging panel discussion aiming to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness, with conversations about faith, psychiatry, what mental illnesses are, and personal testimonies of hope.
View video and full description on YouTube for more info and a list of resources
June 2021
Representatives from Equality Virginia and Hampton Roads Pride will speak about their mental health journey and where they are now in their recovery.
View video and full description on YouTube for more info and a list of resources
Hampton Roads Pride
Equality Virginia
May 2021
Kate Baldwin joins us from the VBSPCA to to shine a light on the important role pets can play in our mental and emotional health and discuss ways in which we can care for ourselves and our pets!
April 2021
Dr. David Spiegel, EVMS Psychiatrist and Clinical Supervisor, engaged in a phenomenal discussion regarding the mental health diagnosis process, ways to advocate for yourself/what to look for, conversations to have, and so much more!
March 2021
We hosted Mary Crutchfield (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Founder of Leva Psychiatry) for an engaging discussion about eating disorders/disordered eating, diet culture, the impacts on mental health, and treatment options.
february 2021
We hosted Jennifer Brown (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Owner of Seaside Behavioral Health) for an engaging discussion to answer (or begin answering) some of questions about mental illness that may have been difficult to ask.
January 2021
While we are still safely distancing, we are borrowing our "Coastal Chats" from great sources!
There’s a big difference between mental health and mental healthcare. In Psych Hub’s interview with Thomas Insel, MD, (Co-founder of Humanest), he’ll share all about neuroplasticity and the 3 P’s of mental health.
November 2020
Our community program was an engaging conversation regarding the Hearing Voices approach and learning more about the Hearing Voices Network. The program includes a screening of the film "Beyond Possible" and a panel discussion with Jane Callaway, Tevin Clark, and Cindy Hadge.
October 2020
Our October Coastal Chat is an interactive and important conversation hosted on Facebook Live by Mr. Sam Boone of the Chesapeake City School Board.
Visit our Facebook page to see additional questions and comments posted by our community!
august 2020
Liz Odhwani engaged in a great conversation providing Information about Social Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), contact information during COVID, and how to recognize and protect yourself and loved ones from social security scams.
July 2020
Dr. Tyler Corson, a gerontologist on the faculty of VCU's College of Health Professions, leads a discussion of The Impacts of Social Isolation on Older Adults and Families. While loneliness and social isolation are not new topics in aging, COVID-19 and "social distancing" practices have brought them to the forefront. Come hear about the broad health impacts of isolation and learn strategies for coping and for #SocialConnecting for you and your family members.
June 2020
Rosanne Foggin, the VB Strong Center Program Manger, chats with us about the incredible programs the VB Strong Center has (including a virtual music festival they put on!), their marvelous mission and efforts to support the mental wellness of our community, and how you can benefit from all they have to offer! The VB Strong Center is a "mental health mass-trauma-informed clinical approach community center" which provides free support groups, wellness classes, and assistance from clinicians in navigating and planning how to start your journey to mental wellness.
Leah Baldwin, LCSW, CSAC joins us during Mental Health Awareness Month to facilitate an awesome discussion about reducing anxiety, naming and normalizing feelings, setting goals, and more great information and tips.
May 2020
