Mental Health Resources in Tennessee
Last updated September 6, 2026
Tennessee residents facing mental health challenges have access to a range of state and federally supported services, from crisis intervention available around the clock to ongoing counseling and community support programs. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, a psychiatric crisis, or a substance use concern, help is available regardless of your income or insurance status.
The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) oversees the public behavioral health system in the state. Through a network of regional community mental health centers, Tennesseans can access outpatient therapy, medication management, crisis stabilization, and peer support services. TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid program, covers a broad range of mental health and substance use disorder services for those who qualify, including therapy visits, psychiatric care, and crisis services.
If you are not sure where to start, calling 2-1-1 Tennessee is one of the best first steps. Trained specialists can connect you to local mental health providers, crisis programs, peer support groups, and other community services based on your county, situation, and coverage. Services are free and confidential.
Key programs in Tennessee
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Provides free, confidential crisis counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis, or who is concerned about someone else. Call or text 988. Spanish-language support and chat at 988lifeline.org are also available.
How to access: Call or text 988 from any phone at any time. No insurance or referral is needed. Tennessee also has specialized 988 routing for veterans — veterans can press 1 after dialing 988 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid)
Tennessee's Medicaid program covers mental health and substance use disorder treatment for eligible low-income residents, including therapy, psychiatric medication management, inpatient psychiatric care, crisis stabilization, and peer support services.
How to access: Apply online at Tennessee's Benefits Portal (benefits.tn.gov), call 1-855-259-0701, or visit your local Department of Human Services office. Eligibility is based on income, household size, age, disability status, and other factors.
Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) — Community Mental Health Centers
TDMHSAS funds a statewide network of community mental health centers offering outpatient counseling, psychiatric services, crisis stabilization units, and substance use treatment. Services are available on a sliding fee scale for those without insurance.
How to access: Visit the TDMHSAS website at tn.gov/behavioral-health to find a licensed community mental health center in your region. You can also call 2-1-1 to be connected to the nearest center accepting new clients.
2-1-1 Tennessee
A free, confidential information and referral service that connects callers to local mental health providers, crisis programs, peer support, housing, food, and other social services across all 95 Tennessee counties.
How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, available 24/7. You can also search at 211Tennessee.org. Interpreters are available for non-English speakers.
VA Mental Health Services (for Veterans)
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides comprehensive mental health care to eligible veterans in Tennessee, including therapy for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, as well as same-day mental health crisis services at VA medical centers.
How to access: Tennessee is served by VA medical centers in Memphis, Nashville, and Mountain Home (Johnson City), with community-based outpatient clinics across the state. Contact your nearest VA facility or call the VA national line at 1-800-827-1000. Veterans in crisis can also press 1 after dialing 988.
Mental Health Resources resources for Tennessee
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Nationwide24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress. Call or text 988.
NAMI HelpLine
NationwideInformation, resource referrals, and support for people living with mental health conditions.
SAMHSA National Helpline
NationwideFree, confidential 24/7 treatment referral and information for mental and/or substance use disorders.
Other resources in Tennessee
- Housing Assistance in Tennessee
- Food Assistance in Tennessee
- Utility Assistance in Tennessee
- Transportation Assistance in Tennessee
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in Tennessee
- Domestic Violence Resources in Tennessee
- Disability Resources in Tennessee
- Veteran Resources in Tennessee
- Child & Family Assistance in Tennessee
- Senior Resources in Tennessee