Mental Health
For information about TennCare coverage of mental health services, see "Medical Insurance & Financing." See the "Action Guide" for more information about TennCare Partners. Call the Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, Inc., if you have problems or questions concerning TennCare’s coverage of mental health services.
Crisis Mental Health Services
Mobile Crisis Unit
539-2409
For anyone needing emergency mental health assistance, call 24 hours/day. This unit provides in-home assessments and can assist with an emergency commitment to the hospital.
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Premier Behavioral Systems of TN
1-800-325-7864
222 Second Avenue N., Suite 220, Nashville, 37201
TennCare Partners Behavioral Health Organization (BHO). Call this number or the Mobile Crisis Unit to report mental health crises for persons enrolled in Premier. Automated menu system answers; press “1” for emergencies. 24-hours/day; seven days/week.
Tennessee Behavioral Health, Inc.
1-800-447-7242
222 Second Avenue N., Suite 220, Nashville, 37201
TennCare Partners Behavioral Health Organization (BHO). Call one of these numbers or the Mobile Crisis Unit to report mental health crises for persons enrolled in TBH. Automated menu system answers; press “1” for emergencies. 24-hours/day; seven days/week.
Geriatric Assessment Units
These hospital units evaluate older adults having medical, behavioral, mood or memory problems and provide short- term inpatient treatment. Medicare, TennCare, private insurance, and private pay. See "Assessment."
Information and Advocacy
Disability Law & Advocacy Center of TN
1-800-342-1660
3115 Essary Drive, Suite A, 37918
Advocates for legal rights of persons with developmental and mental disabilities, and investigates institutional abuse and neglect of persons with mental illness.
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Mental Health Association of East TN, Inc.
584-9125
9050 Executive Park Drive, Suite 104-A, 37923 (street)
P.O. Box 32731, 37930-2731 (mailing)
Specializes in mental health education, information and referral, screenings, referrals to support groups and services, and family and consumer advocacy. Specific assistance includes support group referrals, free mental illness screenings, and client access to care advocacy. Web site includes many resources concerning seniors and stress, dementia, depression, and more; also offers a free and anonymous Geriatric Depression Rating Scale. Call also to report problems with TennCare Partners (TennCare’s mental health services) or Safety Net Services; advocates with TennCare Partners to help get treatment access.
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NAMI of Knoxville (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill)
602-7807
5908 Lyons View Pike, Lakeshore Park, Peach Cottage, 37919 (street)
P.O. Box 10004, 37939-0004 (mailing)
Offers public education about mental illness and advocates for services for the mentally ill. Provides free support groups, classes, and information about community resources for family and friends of persons who are mentally ill.
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Ongoing Mental Health Treatment and Counseling
See "Counseling" for a listing of agencies. Many home health care agencies and nursing homes provide mental health services, including monitoring of medication levels, education in behavior management, and counseling (in home or facility). Call Senior Citizens Information & Referral Service, 546-6262, for a list.
Helen Ross McNabb Center
637-9711
201 W. Springdale Avenue, 37917
In emergency, McNabb patients may call 24 hours/day.
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Higher Ground: St. Mary's Intensive Outpatient Behavioral Services
545-7222
900 E. Oak Hill Avenue, 37917
Free assessment. Call for an appointment, Mon.- Fri., 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Lunch provided; transportation, if needed.
Peninsula Outpatient Centers
970-9800
A member of Covenant Health
6800 Baum Drive, 37919
Peninsula Lighthouse, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, support groups, and 12-step programs, in Knox, Blount, Loudon, Monroe, and Sevier counties.
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Geropsychiatric Partial Hospitalization Programs
These programs specialize in acute mental health needs of older adults who suffer from emotional problems or substance abuse. They provide transition from or alternative to inpatient treatment. Treatment may include psychiatric, psychosocial, and medical evaluations; individual, group, and family counseling; aftercare planning; education about medications; increasing coping, communication, and conflict- resolution skills; free screening services; and access to support systems. Medicare, TennCare, private insurance, private pay.
Peninsula Senior Day Hospital
374-7154
A member of Covenant Health
6800 Baum Drive, 37919
Five days/week, 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., length of stay depends upon diagnosis and services required. Transportation and lunch.
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Psychiatric Hospitals
See "Hospitals."
