Behavioral Health Services
Screening and Referral for Substance Use/Abuse and Mental Health Issues
Full time professional counselors are available Monday through Friday, at Lentz Public Health Center, 311 23rd Avenue North, Room 211 to conduct assessments and make referrals to local counseling agencies for persons age 13 and older needing Substance Abuse or Mental Health services.
There is no charge for these services.
Call (615) 340-2172 for more information and to make an appointment. Walk-in clients will be seen as time permits.
Community agencies may call during business hours to schedule an appointment for a client to be screened in our office.
Persons in immediate crisis should call the Mobile Crisis line, (615) 726-0125, or the Crisis Center at (615) 244-7444. If the crisis is life threatening, dial 911.
Staff
The Behavioral Health Services staff is comprised of professional, qualified, and dedicated individuals with experience and training in the behavioral health fields:
- Nichelle Foster, MMFT
- Jenny Howard-Brown, BSW, LADAC
- Angela Thompson, MS, MPS
- Anita Wilson, LADAC, NCAC 1, Q-SAP
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.
Screening, Referral and Follow-up
The mission of this program is to provide non-emergent substance abuse and mental health screening, recommendation, and referral to adults and adolescents in Davidson County. The Staff will cooperate and coordinate with community agencies to ensure appropriate services are available.
Screenings are conducted at the Lentz Public Health Center in room 211. In addition to the general adult and adolescent populations, the program has team members who are trained in geriatric issues.
Team members will assist clients in navigating through the behavioral health system to facilitate timely access. Additionally, team members will assess life areas in which the client may have additional needs and make appropriate referrals to wrap-around services when indicated.
Group Accountability Program - GAP
The Group Accountability Program (GAP) is a series of sessions designed to educate clients by increasing their understanding of addiction and related issues. The GAP sessions emphasize healthy lifestyle changes and attention to mental well-being. Some clients may participate in GAP sessions while awaiting admission into either an outpatient or inpatient treatment setting.
Additional Resources
Mental Health Screenings & Alcohol and Drug Screening
www.depression-screening.org
www.ichope.com
www.alcoholscreening.org
www.drugscreening.org
Community Agency and Program Links
TennCare Partners Advocacy Line (TPAL)
Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee (MHAMT)
NAMI-TN
Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network
Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
Tennessee Voices for Children
Alcohol and Drug Council of Middle Tennessee
Alzheimer’s Association
Council on Aging
Eating Disorders Coalition-Middle Tennessee
Behavioral Safety Net of Tennessee
Veterans Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Veterans can call the Lifeline number, 1-800-273-TALK (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
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans
Resources for returning veterans and their families
http://www.samhsa.gov/vets