Behavioral Health Services – Crisis Stabilization

TennCare offers access to Crisis Stabilization services as part of Tennessee’s statewide behavioral health crisis continuum. Crisis Stabilization services provide intensive, short-term care for individuals experiencing a mental health emergency who do not require inpatient hospitalization but require services with higher intensity than outpatient services.

Crisis Services Continuum

Mobile Crisis Services

  • Tennessee offers a 24/7 statewide mobile crisis response for mental health emergencies, available to adults, children, and youth. To access help, call 988 and press 0, or contact your local crisis line.
  • Services May Include
    • crisis support by trained specialists by phone
    • in-person or virtual (telehealth) assessments
    • referrals for ongoing care and treatment
    • Symptom stabilization
    • Follow-up care to ensure continued support

Walk-in Centers

  • Crisis Walk-In Centers provide 24/7, year-round, in-person evaluations for individuals experiencing a mental health emergency. Services include the following:
    • Crisis Assessment & Intervention
    • Temporary Observation (Not exceeding 23 hours)
    • Counseling & Emotional SupportMedication Management
    • Linkage to Ongoing Care

Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs)

  • Individual and family counseling with supportive services
  • Medication management
  • Stress management strategies and counseling
  • Development of personalized treatment plans empowering the individual Education on mental health and substance useIdentifying and constructing support networks
  • Crisis Respite
  • 24/7 short term crisis stabilization and assessment
  • Youth and Teen Support

Need help now? Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 and press 0 to speak to a Licensed Counselor directly. Please use the link below to access additional information on the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (TDMHSAS) website.

Crisis Services & Suicide Prevention