Tennessee 988:
ANSWERING THE CALL TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS SUPPORT
With rising levels of anxiety, depression, emotional distress, and substance-related deaths, it’s increasingly crucial for people to get immediate help if they’re in a mental health crisis. That’s why 988 began – to create a direct connection to support and resources for anyone experiencing mental distress. This easy-to-remember three-digit lifeline was launched in Tennessee – and nationwide – in July of 2022.
THE SERVICES OF 988 DON’T END WHEN THE PHONE CALL DOES.
When you call 988, a trained crisis worker will be on the line to listen and support you with your situation. But that help isn’t limited to one phone call. 988 can also be the entry point to Tennessee's Mental Health Crisis Services, a support system that offers a continuum of care to Tennesseans who are experiencing mental health distress. Along with 988, Tennessee's Mental Health Crisis Services include:
▪ Mental Health Services for Adults: TDMHSAS offers a wide range of supports and services for Tennesseans living with mental health and co-occurring issues ranging from essential mental health services to employment and housing services. The department additionally provides a robust range of opportunities for individuals living lives of recovery to share their experience with other peers. The videos below give a sample of the impact of our services.
▪ Services for Children, Young Adults, and Families: The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services along with its dedicated and professional network of community service providers and sister agencies has a vast array of services for young people ranging in age from infant to young adult.
▪ Crisis Services and Suicide Prevention: Mental Health Crisis Services are for those who may be experiencing a mental health emergency. The State of Tennessee provides various options (based on need) that are available statewide. Suicide Prevention programs offer various services that provide prevention and postvention for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or a post suicidal crisis including family support to those who have completed suicide.
▪ Peer Recovery Services: If you’ve ever heard the expression “Walk a mile in my shoes,” you know the essence of peer support services. Peer support empowers people living with behavioral health challenges to receive help from someone who’s “been there.” By sharing their experiences, strengths, knowledge, and hope, Certified Peer Recovery Specialists deliver this evidence-based practice in a method that conveys mutual respect and personal responsibility.
▪ Faith-based Initiatives: There are many different types of recovery and those often have a tremendous toll on Tennesseans are not limited to behavioral health challenges, including mental health and substance use disorders. Yet, in 2021 alone, 3,814 Tennesseans died from an overdose, which averages to about ten deaths each day; additionally, the state saw 1,222 deaths by suicide. The growth of this crisis has left no community untouched. We also know that while there are nearly 7 million Tennesseans, 85% of them affiliate with one of the state’s nearly 12,000 institutions of faith.
988 IS CHANGING THE WAY TENNESSEE RESPONDS TO A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS.