Welcome to the WSH web site

Western State Hospital is a state psychiatric hospital which is licensed and operated by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

Please Note: Effective July 1, 2009, the department’s name changed from the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services (DMHMRSAS) to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). The 2009 General Assembly changed the name to more broadly reflect the department’s mission, to be flexible enough for the department to grow into other service areas, like autism spectrum disorders, and to move away from the stigma associated with the term “mental retardation.”

WSH Mission Statement

To provide safe and effective individualized treatment in a recovery focused environment.

Our Philosophy

We believe in the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of the individual and their potential to participate in the development of treatment which is respectful and reflective of the choices of consumers and their families. This approach emphasizes the individual's self-determination in achieving their highest level of functioning within the least restrictive environment consistent with their clinical condition and public safety requirements.

Our Vision

We are committed to developing and providing a continuity of quality care for the citizens of the commonwealth with serious mental or substance abuse disorders within an integrated and collaborative service system which involves linkage with consumers, families and community health care providers.

For Comments or Questions Concerning this Web Site, contact the WSH Webmaster
© Western State Hospital, Commonwealth of Virginia