Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services (MHDS) has been accredited by CARF International for an additional three years following an extensive review of its programs and services for mental health, substance use disorders and developmental disabilities.
This is the ninth consecutive three-year accreditation that MHDS has earned from CARF. It reflects that MHDS substantially conforms to 2,600 professional standards in its programs and services for children, adolescents and adults in Henrico, New Kent and Charles City counties.
The accreditation, which extends through November 2028, represents the highest endorsement an agency can receive. In addition, CARF offered no recommendations for improvement – an accomplishment achieved by only 3% of 9,600 peer-reviewed agencies. MHDS’ nearly 500 employees provided services to more than 10,000 individuals in fiscal year 2024-25.
“I am very proud of this prestigious achievement,” MHDS Executive Director Laura S. Totty said. “Our dedicated staff work tirelessly and remain deeply committed to meeting the needs of individuals we serve every day.”
CARF, founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, is an independent, nonprofit organization that works with health and human service providers to assess and improve the quality of their services based on internationally recognized organizational and program standards. As part of the accreditation process, a team of international surveyors conducts an onsite visit and meets with local staff and partners to assess the quality of an agency’s programs and services.
The surveyors described MHDS as “a very impressive organization” and lauded its programs and services as cutting edge and grounded on evidence-based practices.
“With a genuine passion for service, staff members demonstrate warmth and integrity in every interaction, creating an environment that inspires meaningful work and transforms lives,” CARF said in its survey report. “Employees value the emphasis on professional growth and advancement through education, training and opportunities to explore areas of interest that enhance services for clients served.”
The surveyors added, “Feedback from community partners highlighted the strong reputation (MHDS) has earned through its collaborative and innovative approach. Community stakeholders consistently emphasized the vital role (MHDS) plays in strengthening the community and expanding access to essential services. The organization continues to demonstrate innovation, integrity and strong partnerships through the community.”