Commissioner Doug Varney: Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Commissioner Varney talks about his vision for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, his experience and transforming state government to become more efficient and effective. |
Toll-Free Crisis Line Available
Call 1-855-CRISIS-1 for Mental Health or Substance Abuse Needs
The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) has a toll-free statewide phone number you can call for mental health and substance use crisis services. The number, 1-855-CRISIS-1 (1-855-274-7471), will route callers to their local crisis provider. For more information, click here.More...
Our Mission & Vision
The mission of TDMHSAS is to plan for and promote the availability of a comprehensive array of quality prevention, early intervention, treatment, habilitation and rehabilitation services and supports based on the needs and choices of individuals and families served.
The vision of TDMHSAS is to be one of the nation’s most innovative and proactive service providers for Tennesseans dealing with mental health and substance abuse problems.
HOW DO I LEARN ABOUT...
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)?
- Prescription Drug Abuse in Tennessee?
- Co-Occurring Disorders?
- “My Health, My Choice, My Life”?
- The Behavioral Health Safety Net?
- The Office of Consumer Affairs and Peer Support Services?
- Suicide Prevention?
- Systems of Care of children and youths?
- Regional Policy Councils?
- Regional Intervention Program (RIP)?
- Shield of Care Suicide Prevention curriculum?
- Resources for veterans?
- Training services?
- Mental health housing options?
- Volunteer opportunities?
- Forms related to the state’s mental health law?
WHERE CAN I FIND...
- The Best Practice Guidelines for Children and Adolescents?
- The Dashboard of Behavioral Health Indicators?
- A Mental Health Service Provider in my area?
- An Alcohol & Drug Abuse Treatment and Recovery Services Provider in my area?
- An Alcohol & Drug Abuse Treatment Service Provider in my area that is funded through the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant?
- An Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Services Provider in my area?
- Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment Service Provider in my area that is funded through the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant?
Latest News & Events:
2013 Legislative Summary is Now Available
Click Here to view 2013 Tennessee legislation that relates to mental health services, substance abuse services, and/or the TDMHSAS.
New Rules Filed for Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs)
The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) has filed new administrative rules affecting methadone clinics and other non-residential opioid treatment facilities. To see the rules, click here.
Consumer Advisory Board Meetings Information
The Consumer Advisory Board meets via conference call on the first Friday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. Central. The conference call is open to the public. The call-in numbers are 741-1513 (Nashville area) or 1-866-525-0738 (toll-free). The mission of the Consumer Advisory Board is to voice an informed perspective on policy and planning issues that impacts the recovery, resiliency, and rights of people with mental illness.
The TDMHSAS Newsletter
Read the current issue of The TDMHSAS Newsletter and check out past issues here.
Peer Support Work Group
The Peer Support Work Group was established in 2011 to review various models and programs of providing peer support services in order to determine the best model(s) for Tennessee. Click Here to read their report, which was issued in March 2012.
My Health, My Choice, My Life
My Health, My Choice, My Life is a health promotion and wellness initiative for Tennesseans who live with mental health and substance use conditions. My Health, My Choice, My Life provides individuals with self-directed tools, empowering them with the knowledge, skills and resources to improve their overall well-being and resiliency and live healthy and purposeful lives. Click Here for more information.
Mandatory Prescreening Agent Info.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Mandatory Prescreening Agents are required to take the MPA Refresher Course every two years.
Top-To-Bottom Reviews
Other Resources
- Guidelines for the Use of Telemedicine
- Find a Service Provider
- Regional Mental Health Institutes
- Co-Occurring Disorders
- Co-Occurring Resource Directory
- Creating Homes Initiative
- Processes for Referral to a RMHI
- Family Support Specialist Handbook
- TDMH/Board of Probation and Parole (BOPP) Program Instructions and Application Packet
- Behavioral Health Safety Net
- Best Practice Guidelines
Governor Bill Haslam
