My name is JaKayla Blakey, and I am from Richmond, Virginia. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, with a major in Health Services Administration and a double minor in Management and Substance Abuse Prevention.
I am completing my internship at the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) within the CReST Department. RBHA, established in July 1996 through the City of Richmond, is a community health agency dedicated to serving individuals of all ages. The organization provides comprehensive services, including crisis intervention, mental health treatment, substance use recovery, primary medical care, and developmental support. RBHA’s mission is to promote health, wellness, and recovery for the people and communities it serves. Its vision is an inclusive and healthy community where all individuals are empowered to reach their fullest potential, guided by core values of equity, innovation, quality, inclusion, accessibility, transparency, compassion, and integrity.
My preceptor, Anna Ryan, LPS, holds a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and has over 10 years of supervisory experience. She currently serves as Program Supervisor within the CReST Department. CReST provides critical support to children (ages 5–18) and adults (18 and older) experiencing crisis, offering rapid response and linkage to ongoing services. The program’s goal is to reduce recurring crises and prevent the need for psychiatric hospitalization or higher levels of care.