Virgin Islands Child Psychiatry Access Program

11/09/2026

On September 11, we pause to remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the courage shown by first responders and communities.

Anniversaries of tragedies—and distressing events close to home or seen in the news—can bring up fear, sadness, confusion, or difficult memories for children and youth. There is no single “right” response.

Adults can help by:

* Asking what a child has heard and inviting their questions.
* Sharing simple, honest, age-appropriate information.
* Reassuring them that they are safe and identifying trusted adults.
* Maintaining routines and making space for connection, play, and conversation.
* Limiting repeated exposure to upsetting images and news coverage.

Pay attention to feelings or behavior changes that persist or interfere with sleep, school, relationships, or daily life. A pediatrician or behavioral health professional can help.

VICPAP remains committed to supporting pediatric providers and strengthening the circle of care around children, youth, and families throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For crisis support, call or text 988.



Image credit: https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/articles/2022/thomas-f-omara/honoring-memory-11th-day

09/09/2026

A stronger crisis-support connection for the U.S. Virgin Islands is here.

The Virgin Islands Department of Health has launched a dedicated 988 Crisis Call Center for the territory.

When you call or text 988, trained counselors can provide support for:

Emotional distress
Mental health or substance-use concerns
Thoughts of su***de
Concern for a friend, loved one, or community member

The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. Reaching out to 988 does not automatically result in an emergency response; counselors listen, help identify next steps, and connect individuals with appropriate resources.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

VICPAP is not a crisis line. We support child-serving providers in connecting children, youth, and families to appropriate behavioral health care.

Learn more:

YOU ARE NEVER A BOTHER. Feeling worried, sad or stressed out! you don’t nave to deal with it alone. Don t wait. At any point. Reach out Text, Call or Chat 988. Talk to someone who cares and is ready to help. Free. Confidential. 24/7 WHAT IS 988? 988 Is Now Available in the U.S. […]

24/07/2026

We are taking over the Museum for an evening of strategy & connection! 🚀🧠 Think you’ve got game? Prove it. Join us for a night where strategy meets community!♟️🇻🇮

🎒 Who’s Invited: Teens (ages 13+) and their adult caregivers are encouraged to join the fun! (Note: To keep the focus on our adolescents, we kindly ask that younger siblings stay home for this one)

📍 Where: VICM (Buccaneer Mall)
🕔 When: Friday, July 24 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🎟️ Cost: FREE for all USVI teens and adult caregivers!
🧃 Refresh & Play: Enjoy healthy drinks provided by CC1 Virgin Islands!

🧩Get ready for epic games run by mathematicians from the University of the Virgin Islands and our friends with The Concrete Bloom! ✨

🙏 A huge thank you to this session's sponsor for making this event completely free of charge! Funded in part through the Virgin Islands Department of Health under the American Rescue Plan Act – Pediatric Mental Health Care Access New Area Expansion program, awarded by HHS/HRSA Award Number 6 U4AMC53384 (Virgin Islands Department of Health - Virgin Islands Child Psychiatry Access Program).

Virgin Islands Child Psychiatry Access Program University of the Virgin Islands

23/07/2026

🎉 **Teen Time is here!** 🧠✨

VICPAP is excited to share this fun opportunity for teens to connect, unwind, and enjoy an evening designed just for them! Join us at the **Virgin Islands Children’s Museum on Friday, July 24, from 5:30–7:30 PM** for an engaging night of fun, connection, and positive vibes. 🙌🏽💚

Bring a friend, come ready to have a great time, and don’t miss out!

📲 Check out the shared post for more details.

⏰ TOMORROW IS THE NIGHT! ⏰ TEEN TIME Game Night kicks off, July 24th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM! FREE Fun for 13+ adolescents.

Flex critical thinking skills, hang out in a cool environment, and claim ultimate bragging rights. 🧩✨

Snacks, strategy, and epic board game showdowns. Healthy drinks provided by CC1 Virgin Islands! This session funded in part through the Virgin Islands Department of Health under the American Rescue Plan Act – Pediatric Mental Health Care Access New Area Expansion program, awarded by HHS/HRSA Award Number 6 U4AMC53384. Thank you for making FREE Admission possible!

👋 See you there!

www.vichildrensmuseum.org/teentime

CC1 Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Department of Health

10/06/2026

June is Men’s Health Month.

Men play an important role in the lives of children as fathers, caregivers, mentors, educators, and providers. Supporting men’s physical and mental health helps strengthen families and improves outcomes for children and adolescents.

Mental health challenges can affect how adults show up for the young people who depend on them. Recognizing stress, seeking support, and promoting healthy coping strategies benefit not only men, but the children and families they support.

Through the Virgin Islands Child Psychiatry Access Program (VICPAP), pediatric and primary care providers across the U.S. Virgin Islands have access to free, rapid child psychiatry consultation, guidance on mental health concerns, and help connecting families to local resources.

If you are a provider supporting children and families, you are not alone.

📞Contact the VICPAP consultation line at 340-514-0705 to learn how we can support your work. Healthy adults help build healthier futures for children.

Visual from NAMI

09/06/2026

June is National PTSD Awareness Month.

Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. While PTSD is often associated with adults, children and adolescents can also be affected. In youth, PTSD may show up as changes in behavior, difficulty concentrating, emotional distress, or challenges at school.

Early identification and trauma‑informed support can make a meaningful difference. Through the Virgin Islands Child Psychiatry Access Program (VICPAP), pediatric and primary care providers across the U.S. Virgin Islands have access to free, rapid child psychiatry consultation, guidance on trauma‑informed care, and support connecting families to local mental health resources.

If you are a provider caring for a child impacted by trauma, you are not alone.

📞Contact the VICPAP consultation line at 340-514-0705 to learn more about how we can support you.
Together, we can help children heal and thrive.

Visual from Verywellmind