CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The state is expanding a mental health program to Montgomery County, thanks to funding from federal COVID-19 pandemic response grants.
The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is bringing OnTrack TN, Tennessee’s First Episode Psychosis Initiative to Montgomery, Anderson and Rutherford counties, according to a news release.
OnTrack TN works with youth and young adults ages 15 to 30 who have experienced a first episode of psychosis. “This comprehensive intervention model uses a team of mental health professionals and support services, focusing on helping people work toward recovery and meeting their personal goals,” the release said.
The Montgomery County program will be served by Mental Health Cooperative.
The three counties were selected based on a review that showed a significant number of face-to-face crisis assessments for ages 10-24.
“We know that young people have been hit hardest by the mental health impacts of the pandemic. Data collected over the last year show higher rates of symptoms of anxiety or depression, higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts, and increased symptoms of psychosis among young people,” said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams in the release.
“We are so grateful to our community partners who are stepping up to do this work, and we are so appreciative of our federal partners, Governor Bill Lee, and the Tennessee General Assembly who support this program and so many others to meet the behavioral health needs of Tennesseans.”
Started in 2015, OnTrack TN began in northwest Tennessee and is also offered in Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Shelby counties.
If you have concerns or need services for yourself, a child, or family member, contact the state Helpline:
- Phone: 800-560-5767
- Email: OCA.TDMHSAS@tn.gov
- Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If you feel at any time that you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line toll-free 24 hours, 7 days a week at 1-855-274-7471.