Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

02/02/2026

01/28/2026

Multiple days into the fallout from Winter Storm Fern, it’s natural to be feeling significant mental health impacts. Whether it’s the anxiety of being without power in the cold, the stress of children being out of school or missing work, or the isolation of not getting to see friends and family like normal, you’re not alone through all of this. If you need to talk to someone, the Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7. You can call or text 800-985-5990.

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

And as always, if you have a mental health emergency that needs urgent support, you can call or text 988.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
Tennessee Department of Health
SAMHSA

01/27/2026

Mary Laremore of wears all the hats! Social worker, licensed alcohol and drug counselor, and CPRS. She gets to see lives changed everyday with the work she does day in and day out.

01/27/2026

This is what Day of Hope is all about! Learn more here: https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/dayofhope.html

01/26/2026

If you’ve been impacted by the recent severe weather in Tennessee, it can be difficult to stay indoors for multiple days. Taking care of your mental health during this time is just as important as taking care of your physical safety.

If you need a warming shelter or other assistance, visit the TEMA website for available resources. If you’re struggling with your mental health or the stress of recovery feels overwhelming, help is available 24/7- call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.

01/25/2026

Join the Regional Intervention Program (RIP) in celebrating National Opposite Day by checking out these tips to help your child following instructions and NOT do the opposite of what you say. To learn more tips check us out at www.tn.gov/parenting-that-works

01/24/2026

Sharing the spark of hope with others.

That’s why Donna does what she does as a CPRS with . She was helped by a peer in the 90s, and now she’s the one helping others 🙌

01/23/2026

Meet Justin! He’s a recipient of a Pathways Behavioral Health Scholarship. Hearing scholarship stores reminds us of something- everyone has their own story. And Justin is no different! He’s had a full career, and is now transitioning into counseling. Hear more from him!

01/22/2026

❄️ The inclement winter weather means a lot of time inside. Need some ideas to keep the kids entertained? Here's a start!

If you need more ideas, RIP is hosting a FREE "Surviving the Winter Wiggles" program at Nashville Public Library's Madison Branch! The team will be discussing eight 'tried and true' strategies for positively addressing behaviors that challenge us. You will learn how to set you and your child up for success when it comes to behavior and some fun ways to address those Winter Wiggles.

☃️ Saturday, January 31
⌚ 10:30am-12pm
▶️ FREE
🌀 Nashville Public Library Madison Branch. 610 Gallatin Pike S

01/21/2026

Time for a tour!

We had a great session with the Board of Trustees at Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute. The trustees represent community mental health providers, peer advocates, faith leaders, and legal law enforcement, and correctional professionals. CEO Joyce Kovacs and Hospital Administrator Eric Doxy led the trustees on a tour of the facility and hosted an open discussion over lunch. Trustees were especially interested to learn more about MTMHI’s commitment to and incredible outcomes in eliminating seclusion and restraint.

NAMI Tennessee
Mental Health Cooperative
Center of Hope for Behavioral Health
Tennessee Mental Health Consumers' Association

01/16/2026

Telling his own story as a veteran to help other veterans.

Melvin Gatewood from the Department of Veterans Affairs on why he is a CPRS, and why this work matters.

01/13/2026

Making a difference in others’ lives with what she went through in her own life is what being a CFSS is all about.

Jennifer Davis of became a Certified Family Support Specialist because she went through difficult times alone and now others don’t have to.