As of July 1, 2024: per Tennessee Senate Public Chapter 1061 of 2024, all patients less than 18 years of age will be required to have signed or verbal consent by a legal parent or guardian prior to receiving all health department services. Please plan for any patients less than 18 years of age to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If the parent or legal guardian cannot accompany the minor to a visit, verbal consent must be obtained from the parent or guardian prior to receiving services. This law does not apply to legally emancipated minors.
The Nashville community has many resources available to those in need of help. This information is presented as an educational resource to ensure those who need help know some of the places where they can turn.
Crisis Resources
Mental Health Crisis
Those experiencing a mental health crisis are encouraged to call 988 to speak to a mental health professional. 988 is available 24/7 to anyone in need.
Mobile Crisis
Persons in crisis should call the Mobile Crisis line at 615-726-0125, or The Crisis Line (Family and Children’s Service) at 615-244-7444. Free 24/7 telephone counseling; language translation services are available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
911
If the crisis is life threatening, dial 911.
Disaster Helpline
The SAMHSA-sponsored Helpline offers counseling to those affected by human-caused and natural disasters.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a disaster and needs immediate assistance, please call this toll-free number for information, support, and counseling. You will be connected to the nearest crisis center.
800-985-5990 or Text TalkWithUs to 66746
TTY for Deaf/Hearing Impaired: 800-846-8517
Tennessee REDLINE
The Tennessee REDLINE, 800-889-9789, is a toll-free information and referral line open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, providing accurate, up-to-date alcohol, drug, problem gambling, and other addiction information and referrals to all citizens of Tennessee at their request. The Redline provides referrals for Co-Occurring Alcohol and Drug disorders that arise along with Mental Health disorders. Treatment and other program referrals are made on the REDLINE. Callers are provided with at least 3 referral sources when possible. The REDLINE staff does not provide therapy or counseling with the caller or substance abuser, but gives them the information to put them in touch with someone who will provide a diagnosis, prognosis or assessment of the mental or physical health of the substance user/abuser. The REDLINE strives to provide the caller with specific referrals based on their stated needs.
Assessments and Referrals for Substance Use/Abuse and Brief Mental Health Screenings
Assessments and brief Mental Health Screenings are conducted at the Lentz Building – MPHD in suite 110-B, by appointment only Monday thru Friday. There is no fee for the assessment service. Call 615-340-2172 for more information and to make an appointment. Walk-ins will be seen as time permits and given an appointment. Community Agency Representatives may call during business hours (Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) to schedule an appointment for their potential client to be screened in the office. *Please note that attorney referrals, or child custody case referrals are not accepted for assessments and brief screenings.*
Program Philosophy
Addiction to any substance or behavior is a primary condition that is characterized by a specific set of symptoms and predictable outcomes, which include but are not limited to, continuing use or behaviors in spite of negative consequences and the need for increased use or behaviors in order to experience the same effect.
Addiction to substances and/or behaviors affects not only the individual but the family and concerned persons in the life of the addicted individual. It affects the individual physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Additionally, addiction meets the criteria as a disease and should be treated as such.
Mental Illness is a treatable condition which, if addressed, enables the individual to lead a normal and productive life. An important aspect of mental health services is to eliminate stigma and to provide ongoing support to individuals and families affected by this illness. There is hope in recovery from both addictive and mental disorders. Some individuals may have co-occurring addiction and mental health disorders. These disorders often require medication management for stabilization and maintenance, which can enhance the recovery process.
Adverse Childhood Experiences are stressful or traumatic experiences, such as abuse, neglect and family dysfunction that can be disruptive to the safe stable, nurturing relationships and environments that children need to thrive. These experiences can have lasting effects on educational achievement, economic productivity, responsible citizenship and lifelong health. Prevention of trauma is ideal, but when and where it does occur, the potential lifelong impact can be buffered with the help of communities that are trauma and resiliency-informed. That is, they realize the impact of trauma, recognize the signs, respond appropriately, resist re-traumatization, and promote resilience.
Additional Resources
Mental Health Screenings & Alcohol and Drug Screening
Community Agency and Resource Links
- Above the Influence
- Healthy Children
- OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Foundation
- Rethinking Drinking: Alcohol and Your Health (NIH)
- The Parents Toll-Free Helpline (Text your message to 55753)
- Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee
- NAMI-TN
- Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network
- Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
- Tennessee Voices for Children
- Alzheimer’s Association
- Family Intervention Program
- Alive Hospice
- Metro Office of Family Safety
- Metro Social Services
- Mental Health Co-op
Domestic Violence Resources
Safety alert: Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you believe your internet usage might be monitored, call the phone number provided for an organization below rather than clicking a website link.
YWCA of Nashville
615-242-1199
Morning Star Sanctuary
615-891-2226
Bridges Domestic Violence Center
Bridges Domestic Violence Center
615-599-5777
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
Metro Police Domestic Violence Division
Metro Police Domestic Violence Unit
615-880-3000 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
615-862-8600 after 10 p.m.
Spanish Language Support Group
615-269-6900
Victims’ Advocacy Group
615-862-7773
Home Safe Shelter
- Sumner County: 615-452-4315
- Wilson County: 615-444-8955
- Robertson County: 615-382-0829
Family Safety Center
615-880-1100
Resources for Families After a Pregnancy or Infant Loss
If you are having a difficult day and need to talk to someone about your loss you can call the following support number anytime 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
800-273-8255
Fetal Infant Mortality Review Resource Roadmap Flyer
Veterans Resources
Veterans can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, 800-273-8255, and press "1" to be routed to the Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline.
Veterans in emotional distress can chat live with a crisis counselor and get help: Veterans Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Resources for returning active duty, National Guard and Reserves, veterans, and their families
Veterans can send a text message to 838255 to connect to a VA responder now.
Vets4Warriors peer-to-peer counseling program is open to all members and veterans of the National Guard and military reserves. The toll-free hot line is 855-898-8255 (855-VET-TALK)
US Department of Veteran Affairs, National Center for PTSD
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Veteran Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
I think my teenager may be using drugs. Where can I go to have them assessed?
The Health Department’s Behavioral Health Services program provides alcohol/drug and mental health screenings and referrals for teens between the ages of 13 and 17. There is no charge for this service. Call 615-340-2172 for more information and to make an appointment. Walk-in clients will be seen as time permits.
Where can I go for mental health problems?
The Health Department’s Behavioral Health Services program provides mental health screenings to determine if further services are necessary and then makes a recommendation and referral for treatment. There is no charge for this service. Call 615-340-2172 for more information and to make an appointment. Walk-in clients will be seen as time permits.
I have a family member (or need for myself) who is asking for help about an alcohol and dug problem. Where can they get help?
The Health Department’s Behavioral Health Services program provides alcohol and drug assessments to determine if treatment is necessary and will make a recommendation and referral for treatment. There is no charge for this service. Call 615-340-2172 for more information and to make an appointment. Walk-in clients will be seen as time permits.
Does Behavioral Health Services provide urine or blood drug screenings?
No. You can contact AEGIS Labs 615-255-2400 or Addiction Intervention Resources 615-975-2965.