Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Programs (TDMHSAS):
TDMHSAS’s vision is to assure that all Tennessee children and youth with emotional, behavioral or mental health needs, and their families, have access to appropriate, high quality, and culturally responsive mental health services and supports. TDMHSAS supports various education and training programs for children, youth and families of all ages. For information visit TDMHSAS's website or contact Heather Taylor at 615-253-4800. These programs include:
- Erase the Stigma – Promotes understanding of mental health and wellness
- Violence and Bullying Prevention – Instills resiliency in children in order to prevent violent behaviors.
- Emotional Fitness Centers – Faith-based, culturally sensitive mental health screening program.
- School Based Mental Health Liaison – Liaisons provide face-to-face consultation with classroom teachers to enhance learning environment.
- School Based Liaison for At Risk Youth – Liaisons provide face-to-face consultation with classroom teachers to enhance learning environment.
- Project B.A.S.I.C. - A child development specialist works with children from kindergarten through third grade to promote good mental health.
- Visit Tennessee Voices for Children or call 800-670-9882. You can also download Social Emotional Strategy materials.
- Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee (PCAT) – is part of the Tennessee Strengthening Families Initiative, to help families prevent abuse and neglect.
- Regional Intervention Program (RIP) - RIP is designed for the early treatment of children with moderate to severe behavior disorders and is a parent-implemented program.
TDMHSAS also supports the development and implementation of a statewide System of Care. A System of Care is a group of people, organizations, government agencies, families, and communities who come together to help address the challenges families with children experiencing or at risk of developing serious social, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges face. Systems of care engage families in partnership with public and private organizations to design mental health services and supports that are effective, that build on the strengths of individuals, and that address each person's cultural and linguistic needs. A system of care helps children, youth, and families function better at home, in school, in the community, and throughout life. For more information on Systems of Care and how to become involved, please contact Keri Virgo in the Office of Children and Youth Mental Health at Keri.Virgo@tn.gov or 615-770-0462.
Other Information on Early Intervention for Children and Youth:
Tennessee Voices for Children (TVC) works as advocates for the emotional and behavioral well-being of children and their families. TVC has a Statewide Family Network as well as parent support groups for families whose children have a serious emotional disturbance. TVC staff members include Family Support Providers who have lived experience and work with children and families to navigate multiple system involvement- including school system, healthcare, judicial and other concerns for their children. Tennessee Voices for Children (TVC) can be contacted by phone at 1-800-670-9882.
ZERO TO THREE is a national nonprofit organization that promotes the health and development of infants and toddlers by informing, training and supporting professionals, policymakers and parents.
The Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children (TACSEI) creates FREE research-based products and resources to help decision-makers, caregivers and service providers improve the social-emotional outcomes of young children with, or at risk for, delays or disabilities.
Team Tennessee promotes the social and emotional development of children, birth through early elementary age, by bringing together community-based training, continuing education and higher education throughout the state.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helps individuals, families, schools, faith-based organizations and workplaces promote emotional health and reduce the likelihood of mental illness, substance abuse and suicide. SAMHSA includes a focus on high-risk youth, youth in tribal communities and military families.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network was established to improve access to care, treatment, and services for traumatized children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events.