TN START Assessment & Stabilization Teams

The Tennessee START Assessment & Stabilization Teams (TN START AST) are a statewide resource for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have complex behavioral or mental health needs. TN START AST is a collaboration between the Tennessee Department of Disabilities and Aging (DDA) and the Center for START Services. START (Systematic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources & Treatment) is a comprehensive model of service supports that optimizes independence, treatment, and community living for individuals with IDD and behavioral health needs.

TN START AST provides prevention and stabilization through crisis response, stabilization planning, training and education, consultation, and formalized partnerships. TN START AST is available in all counties statewide and consists of five teams, divided into five multiple-county regions across Tennessee (Memphis, Jackson, Chattanooga, Nashville, and Knoxville). Each region consists of a team of Assessment & Stabilization Facilitators (ASF) and a supervising Assessment & Stabilization Manager (ASM). All team members will utilize evidence-based practices and be trained and certified by the Center for START Services. TN START AST will provide the following services:

• 24/7 onsite or remote crisis response and consultation
• On-going cross-systems crisis stabilization planning to include prevention and intervention for eligible individuals
• Clinical consultation, education, and training
• Establishing and maintaining formalized community partnerships and systems linkages
• Comprehensive assessment and evaluation of support needs, existing services, and available resources.
• Assessment and facilitation of therapeutic resource center admissions
• Systemic analysis, consultation and support

TN START AST will be implemented utilizing a phased roll out approach as outlined below. (Click graphic below)

Referrals for TN START AST can be made by, but are not limited to, individuals, families, service providers, hospitals, mobile crisis providers, and behavioral health providers. In early phases of the program’s roll out, TN START AST will be initially available to individuals 6 years of age or older currently receiving or eligible for Medicaid waiver services. The long-term goal is to work towards making the service available to all individuals over the age of 6 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For individuals enrolled in TN START AST services, 24/7 crisis response will be available. In later phases, TN START AST will become available 24/7 for consultation for mobile crisis providers or other crisis entities regarding persons who have or are suspected to have an intellectual or developmental disability. TN START AST will work alongside these crisis entities to identify resources and eligible services and supports that may assist in stabilization of the individual.

Once a referral is received, the ASF will work with eligible referred individuals and their service/support team to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the needs of the person, develop a person-centered cross-systems crisis prevention and intervention, and provide training and support in order to reach sustained stabilization for the individual and their system of care. Consistent with the department’s vision, TN START AST will maintain strong community inclusion values with the goal of helping individuals remain in their home or community placement while ensuring that person-centered services and supports are right-sized to allow the individual to live the lives they envision for themselves.