Shatter the Silence is a Virginia-based nonprofit dedicated to making mental health care accessible, affordable, and stigma-free for every community across the Commonwealth.
We believe that no one should have to face mental health challenges alone—or in silence. That’s why we work at the intersection of advocacy, education, and community engagement to break down the barriers that keep too many Virginians from getting the help they need.
Through partnerships with local organizations, mental health professionals, and grassroots advocates, we push for policy change, amplify underrepresented voices, and connect individuals with life-saving resources.
Whether we’re fighting for legislative reform, organizing community events, or sharing personal stories to raise awareness, everything we do is rooted in the belief that mental health is a human right—and that healing begins when we shatter the silence together.
Why Mental Health Matters
Only 1 in 5 children that live in Virginia have access to mental health care. (vakinds.org)
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Suicide, which can result from the interaction of mental disorders and other factors, was the second leading cause of death among children aged 12-17 years in 2010. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8)
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24. (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Mental health conditions are common, impacting 1 in 5 adults – nearly 47 million Americans. (American Psychiatric Association)
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34. (National Alliance on Mental Illness)