Tennessee Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in Tennessee
Known as the home of country music, Tennessee offers a thriving setting for recording artists, but the state’s mental health scene is less vibrant. The Volunteer State sits at #42 in Mental Health America’s state rankings. This ranking indicates low rates of access to care and high prevalence of mental illness.
Just how high and low are these rates? Roughly 1 in 4 Tennessee adults have a mental health disorder. Yet, there is only one mental health provider for every 740 people in the state. Other challenges to treatment access include insurance and cost of treatment.
Despite these potential barriers, KFF reports that more than 70% of adults in Tennessee who need therapy receive it, which is close to the average across the United States. However, rising prices in treatment, both for inpatient and outpatient care, could cause a shift in these numbers.
1 in 4
Tennessee adults living with a mental health disorder
More than 70%
Of Tennessee adults who need therapy receive it
42nd
Tennessee ranks #42 in mental health care
Free Mental Health Resources in Tennessee
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Tennessee provides individuals and their loved ones with education and support related to mental illness. Additionally, they offer access to support groups and assistance with locating crisis intervention services in their area.
The Tennesse Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services operates Peer Support Centers across the state. These centers provide persons with mental illness and substance use disorder places where they can learn about recovery and find support. There are 45 Peer Support Centers across that host events and offer classes on subjects related to mental health and overall wellness.
West Tennesse Healthcare has put together an online resource for individuals who are looking for support groups in Davidson County, including their contact information. These support groups focus on a wide variety of medical and mental health topics ranging from addiction recovery to dementia and Alzheimer's support to bereavement counseling.
Behavioral Health Support Groups in Blount County have created an online database that helps residents connect with medical, mental health, and social services in their area. The list includes crisis hotline numbers, advocacy resources, and peer support programs. Information on specialized services for persons experiencing PTSD, grief and loss, depression and anxiety, domestic violence, autism, and other concerns is also available.
Provide Services for
Depression
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
Autism
Domestic Violence
The Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line, a service of The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They provide services for individuals or their loved ones who need immediate help in a mental health or addiction crisis.
The Student Counseling Center at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville provides confidential mental health services for students who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. In addition to counseling services, their care coordinators can work with students to create support plans that help promote success personally and academically.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Frontier Health provides medical and mental health services in Northeast Tennessee. Their crisis response telephone hotline is available 24/7 and can help individuals access immediate assistance that may include a referral to a Crisis Stabilization Unit, inpatient treatment or outpatient services.
Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services in Tennesse offers 24 hour crisis services including a mobile unit and walk-in clinics for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. They respond to calls and referrals 24/7 and serve the counties of Anderson, Roane, Morgan, Campbell, and Scott.
Youth Villages is a national organization that serves children, youth and their families who are impacted by emotional, mental and behavioral health challenges. They provide direct care services that include residential treatment and in-home care to meet their mission of helping children and families live successfully.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Oasis Center is a free counseling service in Nashville, Tennessee. They provide services for at-risk youth to help them to find their strengths, use their skills and break down barriers to success. Their programs include counseling, rapid rehousing, leadership skills-building, art, community support and college connections. They also offer safe spaces and access to specialized care for LGBTQ+ youth.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Seniors
Depression
Anxiety
Grief
Centerstone is a non-profit health system that specializes in mental health care and addiction recovery for people of all ages. They specialize in the care of first responders and their families and have partnered with the First Responders Children’s Foundation to provide up to 10 free therapy sessions for children of active or retired first responders in Tennessee. They also offer 10 free sessions to active duty or retired first responders.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
First Responders
The Behavioral Health Safety Net (BHSN) of Tennesse serves state residents who have a qualifying mental health diagnosis and no behavioral health insurance or ability to pay for care. They offer no-cost services, including assessments and evaluations, case management, medication management, transportation assistance, pharmacy coordination and individual, group and family therapy. Peer support programs and ancillary services are available as needed.
Provide Services for
Social Worker
The Tennesse Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services offers a wide range of services for children, youth, young adults and families. Their programs include early intervention programs, school-based behavioral health liaisons, suicide prevention services, emotional fitness centers, and essential mental health care for children aged 3-17 who are uninsured.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
Disability
The Metro Public Health Department in Nashville provides mental health services at three public health centers around the city. They also provide assessments and referrals for individuals with substance use disorders. These services are by appointment only and can be conducted in English and Spanish. There are no fees for services.
The Knox County Mental Health Community Resource Guide is a comprehensive online resource for Tennessee residents. It provides contact information and program details for a variety of services, including health care, housing assistance, food pantries, clothing banks, financial support, addiction recovery, mental health care, and transportation assistance.