Teen Mental Health Hospitals in Richmond, VA
Teen Mental Health Hospitals in Richmond, VA became part of our lives when my teen went through numerous serious mental health crises. During those difficult times, we found ourselves returning more than once to two local inpatient facilities: the VCU Health Virginia Treatment Center for Children (VTCC) and Chippenham Hospital Tucker Pavilion.
Both places helped us during some of the hardest times in our lives, and I’m grateful for that. But for my child and our family, VTCC ended up being a much better fit. I’m sharing our experience—not as any kind of expert, just as a mom who’s been there—in hopes it might help another parent facing the same kind of tough decisions.
Please know that it is challenging to pick on your own an adolescent inpatient mental health hospital, as most beds throughout Virginia are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Emergency Room Comparisons
One thing we did learn is that going through the VCU Health emergency room, which also has a dedicated pediatric emergency room, increases the likelihood of obtaining a bed at VTCC since they are part of the same medical system. The same applies to Chippenham Hospital—going through their emergency room connects you to Tucker Pavilion. However, the experiences in these emergency rooms differed greatly.
The pediatric emergency room at VCU Health was considerably more compassionate and attentive. The staff showed a deeper understanding of my teen’s needs and provided gender-affirming care that made a difference to my teen. That said, during both of our visits to Chippenham’s emergency room, we did run into a few staff members who came across as rude or dismissive. The whole experience felt more cold and clinical than caring, which made a tough situation even harder. Those early interactions really shaped how we felt about the place—and in comparison, VTCC’s warmth and support stood out even more.
First Impressions: VTCC vs. Tucker Pavilion
Facility and Environment
VTCC stands out immediately because of its spacious, modern, and bright facility. It’s a stand-alone facility not attached to the main hospital like Tucker Pavilion. It’s designed to be as cheerful as an adolescent mental health hospital can be, with very secure but open spaces, large windows that let in natural light, and a sense of openness that feels less like a hospital and more like a place of healing. The rooms at VTCC are private, each with its bathroom, and they open into a secured pod area. This pod has bolted-down soft furniture, a TV, tables, and a constant supply of crayons, coloring pages, and puzzles, creating an environment that feels safe but also engaging. In addition, there are numerous large rooms for therapies.
In contrast, Tucker Pavilion’s setting feels far more institutional. The rooms are hospital-like, with two beds per room and a shared bathroom. The hallways are long and narrow, with little to break up the monotony. There’s one shared space for activities where the hallways intersect, making it feel less conducive to interaction and healing.
Programs and Therapies
One of the biggest differences we noticed between the two facilities was the variety of therapeutic programs at VTCC. Because it’s a teaching hospital, there were multiple group therapy sessions offered throughout the day. My teen got so much out of the mix—they had everything from coping skills and DBT to more creative sessions like art and journaling. It gave them options, and more importantly, it helped them connect in ways that felt meaningful.
Tucker Pavilion had group therapy too, and while it helped, it just wasn’t as robust. The sessions were fewer and felt more routine. At VTCC, it seemed like there was more intention behind each offering, and it showed in how my teen responded.
Another thing that made a real difference: VTCC has child life specialists on staff. These folks were amazing. They knew how to talk to teens in a way that didn’t feel clinical. They helped my teen process emotions, break things down into manageable pieces, and feel seen during a time that felt incredibly overwhelming. We didn’t experience anything like that at Tucker.
Communication and Family Involvement
If you’re a parent in this situation looking for teen mental health hospitals, you know how much it matters to feel involved. At VTCC, I felt like a true part of my teen’s care team. The staff kept me updated regularly and always made time to answer my questions—even the emotional ones that weren’t on a checklist. I was included in discussions, not just informed after the fact, and that made a huge difference in how supported I felt, too.
Both places offered family sessions, but at VTCC, they felt deeper and more collaborative. We had real conversations that helped us understand each other better and move forward together. And I can’t forget to mention the visiting hours—VTCC was much more flexible, which was a godsend as a working mom trying to juggle everything.
Tucker Pavilion wasn’t terrible with communication, but it was hit-or-miss. Sometimes I got updates, other times I felt completely in the dark, which only added to the stress.
Meals and Cafeteria
It might seem like a small thing, but the food setup really matters when your child is stuck in a facility. VTCC has a real cafeteria where teens can choose what they want and eat in a space that feels just a little more normal. That bit of independence—and just getting to be in a different environment for a little while—did wonders for my teen’s mood.
At Tucker, meals are brought on trays and eaten in the common area or your room. It’s fine, but it adds to that closed-in feeling. For a teen already struggling, that can make the days feel even longer.
Access to Outdoor Areas
This was a big one for us. VTCC has outdoor spaces. That means fresh air, sunlight, movement—a break from the same four walls. My teen said those moments outside helped them breathe easier, both literally and emotionally.
Tucker doesn’t have outdoor areas, and my teen really felt the absence of that. Not being able to step outside even briefly made everything feel more confined and heavy.
Preparing for Life After Discharge
This is where VTCC truly went above and beyond. From day one, they were planning for after. They gave us a clear, thoughtful aftercare plan—including safety plans, next appointments, and specific resources we could turn to. They even followed up after discharge to check how my teen was adjusting. That extra support made the transition home feel a lot less scary. You can visit my Resources page for more details.
Tucker did provide a discharge plan, but it didn’t feel as personal or detailed. We kind of felt like we were on our own once we walked out the doors.
Final Thoughts
Both VTCC and Tucker Pavilion helped my teen in their own ways, and I’ll always be thankful for that. But when I look back at everything—the care, the people, the environment—VTCC gave us something more. It gave us hope.
From the brighter spaces and deeper therapy offerings to the genuine communication and that little slice of sky outside, VTCC felt like a place where healing could really start. It wasn’t perfect—no place is—but it was a better fit for my teen’s needs.
If you’re a parent trying to decide on a teen mental health hospital in the Richmond, VA area, I know how heavy it feels. You want your child to be safe, yes—but more than that, you want them to feel supported, understood and cared for. I hope sharing our experience helps you in some small way as you figure out what’s best for your family.
You’re not alone. We’re all just doing our best to help our kids find their way through.
For more of our story and the resources that helped us, feel free to explore more here on the blog. 💙
FAQs: What I’ve Learned About Inpatient Mental Health Care for Teens
How do I figure out which facility is best for my teen?
This was one of the hardest parts for me. The truth is, you don’t always get much say. In Virginia, beds are often assigned based on availability, not preference. But I learned that how your teen enters the system can make a difference. If they’re evaluated at VCU Health’s emergency room, there’s a better chance they’ll get a bed at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children (VTCC). If you go through Chippenham Hospital, they’re more likely to end up at Tucker Pavilion. Knowing this helped me feel a little more prepared when everything felt chaotic.
So what’s the difference between VTCC and Tucker Pavilion?
For our family, VTCC felt more supportive in every way. It’s a newer building with private rooms, outdoor space, and more therapy options throughout the day. The staff there really made an effort to include us as parents—we never felt out of the loop.
Tucker Pavilion, on the other hand, felt more clinical and closed-in. Shared rooms, no outdoor access, and fewer therapy options made it harder for my teen to feel comfortable or engaged. That said, both places provide care. VTCC just felt more personal and better suited to what we needed at the time.
Why does the emergency room experience matter so much?
Because it’s where everything starts. When your child is in crisis, how they’re treated in that first moment can shape the entire experience. At VCU, we were treated with compassion, and my teen’s identity was respected without question. That mattered. A lot.
Our experience at Chippenham’s ER was different. The staff felt rushed, less compassionate, and honestly, it made an already overwhelming situation feel worse. That contrast stuck with me.
Does the environment of the facility really make a difference?
Absolutely. For a teen already struggling with their mental health, the physical space around them matters. VTCC has natural light, bright open spaces, and private rooms that make it feel more like a place for healing than a hospital. There were things to do, spaces to move, and a sense of calm that helped.
Tucker’s layout felt more institutional and cold. My teen described it as “sterile” and “claustrophobic.” There wasn’t much to break up the day, which made it feel long and heavy.
What kinds of therapy and programs should I look for?
What helped my teen the most were things that kept them engaged and they minds active—group therapy, art and music therapy, one-on-one support and staff that really got teens. At VTCC, they had a full range of these options, including child life specialists who were incredible.
Tucker had group therapy, too, but not nearly as many options, and we felt like there was a lot of downtime that left my teen feeling disconnected. Every kid is different, but for us, the variety and creativity at VTCC made a huge difference.
Additional Resources
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services: Mental Health Services for Virginia
Psychology Today: Teens & Adolescent Residential Treatment Centers in Virginia
Virginia Community Service Board: Locate your county services here
In the Event of An Emergency
If you, your teen, or someone else you know expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please take them seriously. Below is a list of potential options:
- Contact your child’s doctor
- Reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
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- Call: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
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- Call or Text: 988
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- If the situation is urgent, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
