Mental Health Crisis Services Expand in West Tennessee

NASHVILLE—The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities announces the opening of a crisis stabilization unit in Jackson, Tenn. 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 18 counties including Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, and Weakley. Pathways of Tennessee will operate the first CSU in West Tennessee.

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. “CSUs 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 staff of Pathways is trained to provide the best care possible to residents of West Tennessee in need of these crucial services.”

There are currently crisis stabilization units operating in Nashville, Chattanooga and Cookeville. In addition to Jackson, other CSUs will soon open in Memphis, Johnson City and Knoxville in 2009.

The Jackson CSU, located at 238 Summar Avenue began providing services on Thursday, January 1, 2009. For information contact Pathways at (731)541-8270.

For more information on statewide CSUs or additional mental health information, please contact TDMHDD’s Office of Communications at (615) 253-4812 or visit www.state.tn.us/mental.

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