Virginia is gearing up for a series of impactful events in 2025 aimed at celebrating, educating, and empowering Peer Recovery Specialists (PRS), individuals in recovery, and the broader behavioral health community.
These events offer unique opportunities for networking, professional development, and community engagement, playing a vital role in strengthening Virginia’s recovery-oriented systems of care.
1. Virginia Recovery Conference 2025
- Date: August 27, 2025
- Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
- Overview: Organized by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), the Virginia Recovery Conference will bring together professionals, peers, and advocates to explore the latest in recovery-oriented systems of care. Attendees can expect workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities that focus on advancing recovery services throughout Virginia.
- Registration: register.cpe.vt.edu
2. Research to Recovery Conference 2025
- Dates: May 20–22, 2025
- Location: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA
- Overview: Hosted by VCU Collegiate Recovery, this conference is dedicated to bridging the gap between research and practice in addiction recovery. Topics will include the role of Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS), the impact of peer support on recovery outcomes, and innovative treatment approaches that advance the recovery process.
- Event Details: r2r25.sched.com
3. NAMI Peer-to-Peer Program (Online)
- Dates: July 8 – September 2, 2025 (Tuesdays, 6–8 PM)
- Format: Virtual via Zoom
- Overview: The NAMI Peer-to-Peer Program is a free, eight-session educational course designed for adults living with mental health conditions. Taught by NAMI-trained volunteers with lived experience, this program covers managing mental health, developing relapse prevention plans, and accessing resources for continued recovery.
- Registration: nami-northernvirginia.org
4. NAMI Virginia 2025 Mental Health Conference & Youth and Family Summit
- Date: September 25, 2025
- Location: Hilton Richmond Short Pump Hotel & Spa, Richmond, VA
- Overview: This one-day conference focuses on mental health wellness and provides a platform for peers, families, and professionals to collaborate and share knowledge. Workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speakers will address topics related to mental health recovery and the importance of support systems in the recovery journey.
- Event Details: namivirginia.org
5. Virtual Peer Recovery Specialist Training – June 2025
- Dates: June 2025 (Exact dates to be announced)
- Format: Virtual
- Overview: SAARA of Virginia will offer a 72-hour hybrid training course for individuals interested in becoming Certified Peer Recovery Specialists. This training will cover core competencies, ethical guidelines, and practical skills needed for effective peer support.
- Registration: saara.org
6. Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit II
- Dates: July 8–10, 2025
- Location: The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Roanoke, VA
- Overview: This summit aims to unite professionals and peers from Virginia and neighboring states to discuss regional challenges and opportunities in recovery services. The event will feature collaborative sessions, resource sharing, and discussions on enhancing recovery support systems across state lines.
- Event Details: eventbrite.com
These events provide valuable opportunities for Peer Recovery Specialists, individuals in recovery, and advocates to learn, connect, and grow within Virginia’s recovery landscape.
Whether you’re seeking professional development, knowledge sharing, or community-building, participating in these events will help contribute to the ongoing transformation of Virginia’s recovery systems.
FAQs
What are the key Peer Recovery events in Virginia for 2025?
In 2025, several key events are planned for Peer Recovery Specialists in Virginia, including the Virginia Recovery Conference, the Research to Recovery Conference, NAMI’s Peer-to-Peer Program, the NAMI Virginia 2025 Mental Health Conference, and the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit II. These events focus on education, professional development, and networking for peers and advocates in the recovery community.
How can I register for the Virginia Recovery Conference 2025?
You can register for the Virginia Recovery Conference 2025 through the Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education website. Visit [register.cpe.vt.edu](https://register.cpe.vt.edu) to sign up and learn more about the conference details.
What is the Research to Recovery Conference 2025 about?
The Research to Recovery Conference 2025, hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University, aims to integrate research with practical applications in addiction recovery. It will include discussions on the role of Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS), peer support, and innovative treatment approaches in improving recovery outcomes.
What is the NAMI Peer-to-Peer Program?
The NAMI Peer-to-Peer Program is an eight-session, free educational course offered to adults living with mental health conditions. It is taught by trained NAMI volunteers with lived experience and covers topics like managing mental health, developing relapse prevention plans, and accessing community resources for ongoing recovery.
What is the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit II?
The Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit II is a regional summit scheduled for July 8–10, 2025, at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. It will bring together professionals and peers from Virginia and neighboring states to discuss challenges and opportunities in recovery services. The event will focus on collaboration, resource sharing, and strengthening recovery support systems across state lines.
