For many people, the decision to seek help for mental health, substance use, or developmental challenges is not an easy one. Feelings of stigma, worries about cost, uncertainty about confidentiality, and doubts about whether treatment will work often prevent people from reaching out until crisis occurs. In a city as diverse as Alexandria, these are challenges that can be even more of an obstacle. Residents have different cultural perspectives, life experiences, and languages and the stigma surrounding mental health looks different in every community. 

Recognizing these barriers, the City of Alexandria’s Same Day Access (SDA) program offers a simple but powerful promise: the first steps to accessing help are available today. No appointment is needed, and support is offered in multiple languages, ensuring that care is accessible, confidential, and tailored to the needs of each individual.

Through SDA, Alexandria residents ages five and older can walk into the Del Pepper Community Resource Center and receive a same-day behavioral health screening and comprehensive assessment. For those unable to come in person, telehealth is also available to those with a device, internet connection and a private space.

Breaking Down Barriers

One of the greatest obstacles to seeking care is stigma. In many cultures, mental health is rarely discussed openly. Some communities may view it as a private matter, other people may associate it with weakness, and some may not even have a direct translation for mental health concepts in their language. SDA works to normalize the act of reaching out. Staff are trained to welcome clients with respect, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. This approach helps to show that seeking care is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. 

Cost is another common obstacle. SDA prioritizes services to residents who are uninsured or insured through Medicaid, and fees are offered on a sliding scale. This ensures that finances are never the reason that someone avoids treatment. 

Clients can also be reassured about confidentiality. All assessments and follow-up services are conducted in professional, clinical settings, with privacy protections set in place. 

Effectiveness is also another valid concern that clients may have. After the initial assessment, SDA connects individuals to a range of supports including counseling, psychiatric care, substance use treatment, developmental disability services, and community-based resources. This support system creates a clear, reliable path forward for those seeking help. 

Meeting the Needs of a Diverse Community 

Alexandria is home to residents from all over the world, and SDA embraces this reality. Services are available in English and Spanish, with professional interpretation in additional languages. Program brochures and resources are offered in Spanish, Arabic, and Amharic, helping to ensure that no resident is left out of the conversation about care.

Linguistic, cultural and physical accessibility are critical to reducing stigma and making people feel safe. When someone can ask for help in their native language and feel understood by providers who respect their cultural background, they are more likely to continue with treatment and see positive outcomes. The Del Pepper Community Resource Center is served by Metrobus and DASH . Parking is also available on site. This makes it easier for people who are seeking help to avoid barriers relating to transportation.  

Taking the First Step

For many, one of the most difficult parts of recovery is taking the first step. The Same Day Access program is designed to make that step easier. 

If you or someone you know is ready to take that first step, support is available:

• Location: Del Pepper Community Center, 4850 Mark Center Drive
• Phone: 703.746.3535 (Virginia Relay 711)
• Languages: English, Spanish and interpretation in many others
• Hours: Monday-Friday during walk-in intake times

Seeking help is not something to hide, it is something to honor. The SDA program ensures that no matter where you come from, what language you speak, or what challenges you face, help is always within reach.