May 27, 2025

East Tennessee Faces Mental Health Crisis After Tornadoes

News Summary

East Tennessee is currently experiencing a mental health crisis as communities recover from recent tornadoes that caused significant destruction. The Mental Health Association of East Tennessee (MHAET) emphasizes the psychological toll on residents, with many struggling to access needed care due to financial barriers. They have launched initiatives like the Treatment Access Bank program to provide therapy funding. Additionally, alternative mental health approaches, including a dedicated court and a co-response program with police, are being implemented to improve access to treatment for those in crisis.

Knoxville

East Tennessee is grappling with a mental health crisis as the region continues to recover from severe tornadoes that recently struck East Tennessee and Southeast Kentucky. The devastating storms resulted in significant property loss and fatalities, heightening mental health concerns among residents. The Mental Health Association of East Tennessee (MHAET) has raised awareness about the increasing psychological challenges faced by individuals affected by the disaster.

MHAET’s CEO highlighted the profound stress and trauma that accompany the loss of loved ones and homes. The emotional toll from these events can lead to a decline in mental health, exacerbating issues for many individuals who are already struggling.

Many residents facing mental health struggles hesitate to seek help, often due to the high costs associated with mental health services. This inability to afford care results in individuals remaining untreated and can escalate their issues to the point where they require emergency crisis services.

In response to the ongoing mental health crisis, MHAET has launched the Treatment Access Bank program. This initiative aims to assist individuals with limited income by providing funding for up to 15 therapy sessions for those earning over 138% of the poverty line, which is approximately $21,000 for a single-person household.

Alternative Approaches to Mental Health Care

Efforts to address mental health care access include the establishment of the Knox County Mental Health Court in August 2023. This court serves as an alternative to incarceration for individuals suffering from severe mental illness, thereby allowing them to receive necessary treatment rather than face jail time. Over its short tenure, the court has received 80 referrals, accepted 29 participants, and witnessed two graduations from the program.

Participants in the mental health court are assigned case managers and participate in weekly sessions with a judge to create and follow a personalized treatment plan. The court process lasts between 16 to 24 months and incorporates a five-step method to navigate participants through their recovery journey.

Moreover, the Knoxville Police Department has initiated a co-response program that pairs trained officers with behavioral health specialists. This strategy seeks to better address mental health crisis calls, offering appropriate care and support rather than resorting to arrest. Since the program’s inception in 2021, co-response teams have responded to 3,784 calls, prompting the city to approve an $820,000 contract to add two additional teams for more timely interventions.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite these advancements, concerns have been raised regarding police involvement in mental health interventions. Some council members have advocated for the development of non-police response teams to further improve compassionate care for those in crisis.

Statistically, Tennessee is reported to have the 10th highest prevalence of mental illness in the nation, yet it also ranks among the states with the lowest access rates to mental health care. This paradox is compounded by a significant increase in mental health care costs, which rose by 14% nationally from 2017 to 2021. In Tennessee, mental distress among adults saw a rise of 7.61% during the same timeframe.

New Treatment Options Available

Adding to the available resources, the Family Care Center has opened a new outpatient mental health clinic in Knoxville, providing in-person services that complement existing telehealth options.

For those experiencing a mental health emergency, the statewide crisis line can be reached at 855-CRISIS-1 (855-274-7471), with a national lifeline available at 988. These resources aim to enhance access to immediate support and intervention for individuals in need.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER

The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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