Mental Health Crisis Services Expand in West Tennessee

Crisis Stabilization Unit Opens in Memphis

NASHVILLE—The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities announces the opening of a crisis stabilization unit in Memphis.  The CSU will provide 24-hour, seven days a week, short-term stabilization services for individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues and serve residents of three counties including Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton. Southeast Mental Health Agency will operate the first CSU in Memphis.

Crisis stabilization units provide assessment, triage, medication management, and group and individual therapy as well as an appointment for clients to work with a wellness recovery consumer specialist. CSUs are cost effective by offering intensive, 24-hour mental health treatment in a less restrictive setting than a psychiatric hospital or other treatment resource.

“It is important that individuals have appropriate care in the least restrictive environment possible,” stated TDMHDD Commissioner Virginia Trotter Betts. “CSU’s are structured to stabilize individuals experiencing mental health and substance abuse issues and strengthen clients’ own coping skills while allowing them to remain in the community close to their essential support system.”

“A main goal of the CSU is to divert clients, when clinically appropriate, from psychiatric inpatient hospitalizations and unnecessary incarcerations stemming from their behavioral health conditions,” said Cindra Jones, TDMHDD Director of Crisis Services. “The excellent staff of Southeast is highly trained and qualified and will provide the best care possible to residents of the Memphis area in need of these crucial services.”

There are currently crisis stabilization units operating in Nashville, Chattanooga, Jackson, Knoxville and Cookeville. Along with Memphis, a CSU will open in Johnson City later this year.

Southeast’s CSU is located at 135 North Pauline in Memphis and began providing services April 3, 2009.  For information contact Southeast Mental Health Agency at (901) 369-1420.

For more information on crisis stabilization units or additional mental health information, please contact TDMHDD’s Office of Communications at (615) 253-4812 or visit www.tn.gov/mental.

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