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
- WATE: Knox County Mental Health Court Success
- Knox News: Knoxville Adds More Mental Health Experts
- Knox News: Tennessee Among the Worst Mental Health Care Access
- MedCity News: TeamHealth and Array Behavioral Care Partner
- Knox TN Today: Covenant Health Welcomes Paul Smith
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
- Google Search: Mental Health Crisis Tennessee
- Google Scholar: Mental Health Care Tennessee
- Google News: Tennessee Mental Health News
