With over three decades in mental health, Dr. Lynda Hyatt has witnessed significant progress in reducing barriers to treatment and services. Yet, she remains steadfast in her fight against the societal stigma surrounding mental illness.

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness. The widespread impact of mental illness in the U.S. creates a strain on emergency room visits, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC found that Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and those who live in rural areas are disproportionately affected by the mental health crisis.

As the board president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Central Virginia (NAMI-VA), Hyatt’s mental health advocacy is a central part of her volunteer efforts. In this role, she has a platform to speak out against the stigma and challenge negative stereotypes. Her extensive mental health experience led her to NAMI-VA, where she believes she can continue to make progress for those with mental health challenges.

“I think people just don’t know enough about mental illness,” Hyatt said. “When you don’t know, it can be scary. The fact that celebrities are speaking out about it now helps with the stigma.”

NAMI-VA seeks to promote and improve the quality of life for Virginians living with serious mental illness through support, education and advocacy. The organization offers extensive resources to youths, families and seniors for people in crisis.

“People are learning that it’s a treatable illness like high blood pressure or diabetes. I hope we’ll see a reduction in the price of mental health medication like we’ve seen for insulin,” Hyatt said.

As CEO of Gateway Homes, a nonprofit that provides mental health services in a residential setting, Hyatt’s focus is helping individuals get the mental health services they need. The organization addresses the gap in the continuum of housing and mental health care for people with serious mental illness and the adversity of extreme poverty.

“Over 90% of the people we help are indigent,” Hyatt said. Hyatt lives on a farm in Charles City and commutes two hours daily to Richmond for work. She loves spending time with her rescue horses, four dogs, two cats and a pond full of goldfish.

Meet the strong mental health advocate with no plans to retire and this week’s Personality, Dr. Lynda Hyatt:

Occupation: CEO of Gateway Homes, licensed clinical psychologist and licensed consultant for standards of excellence

Place of birth: Alabama.

Where I live now: Charles City.

Education: Ph.D. in counseling and psychological services with a cognate in business.

Family: Married with two children and four grandchildren.

NAMI-VA’s mission: To provide advocacy, support and education to individuals and families who are experiencing challenges with mental health.

When and why I got involved: I want to eliminate the stigma of seeking help for mental health issues.

When elected board chair: September 2024.

Why I accepted the position: I have 18 years of experience in a leadership position and wanted to share my skill set with NAMI.

No. 1 goal or project as board chair: Implement standards of excellence in all aspects of operations.

Strategy for achieving goal or project: Working directly with NAMI-VA Executive Director Nick Macrini.

Our biggest challenge: Eliminating stigma.

Financial support: Various income streams, from grants to individual donors.

NAMI-VA partners: Other advocacy groups, our affiliates, our donors and our grantees.

Number of people we serve: Affiliates served 16,000 individuals across Virginia last year.

How I have seen NAMI-VA make a difference in Richmond: Advocating with the General Assembly, providing support to families with loved ones who have been diagnosed with mental illness and providing education to the community.

NAMI-VA services: Support, training, advocacy and education.

How to access the services: Call NAMI-VA, 1-888-486-8264 Ext. 202 or 1-804-285-8264 Ext. 202.

Communities we serve: We have affiliates across Virginia. 

Volunteer opportunities with NAMI-VA: Board member, support groups, facilitating training.

Upcoming events: Advocacy with the General Assembly and the NAMI- VA walk in October.

How I start the day: Being thankful.

Three words that best describe me: Competent, inclusive and approachable.

Dream dinner party guest: Richard Gere, because he is brilliant.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Dance, play tennis and skate.

A quote that inspires me: “Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” — Calvin Coolidge.

Most influential person: My high school Latin teacher, Richard Baker.

Current read: “The Women” by Kristin Hannah.

Next goal: Impact NAMI-VA positively during my tenure as board president.