Resources for Tennessee children’s mental health
Tennesseans weathered literal and figurative storms last year, from deadly tornadoes to the harrowing COVID-19 pandemic, further taxing our psyche.
While much is being said of the toll borne by adults — emotional stress, economic uncertainty, and higher physical health risks, etc. especially for older adults with complicated and/or comorbid health conditions — we must not overlook the impact these events have on child and adolescent wellness.
We teach our children “good sandbox” behavior — to share their toys and play together. Children thrive in stable, predictable environments.
Now, they learn to keep playthings to themselves, to social distance. Schools fluctuate between inclass and at-home virtual learning as infection rates dictate. Extracurricular activities are, at best, disrupted if not altogether canceled. Holidays and birthdays look and feel different. Grandparents and friends aren’t seen as often, if at all. How are our children and adolescents making sense of our world?
TIME magazine recently stated, “If COVID-19 is sparing most kids’ bodies, it’s not being so kind to their minds. Living in a universe that is already out of their control, they can become especially shaken when the (truths) they count on to give the world order get blown to bits.”
Fortunately, Tennessee lawmakers have tuned in to this rising concern. Legislation was passed requiring health insurers to cover virtual care the same as in-person care into 2022.
That has enabled Centerstone, a community behavioral health nonprofit, to provide Tennesseans with much-desired mental health services during the pandemic. Our team has conducted more than 450,000 telehealth visits since March of 2020.
Our school-based therapists, who normally help students with behavioral, emotional or social problems face-to-face at 350 primary and secondary schools, have adapted along with the students and are effectively connecting with kids by tele-video to ensure continuity of care.
Further, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) has provided funding to place a school-based behavioral health liaison in every county across our state.
Finally, Tennessee’s Behavioral Health Safety Net program has expanded to include uninsured children. Officials recently appropriated $7.6 million directly to fund mental health services for ages 3 to 17.
In light of rising unemployment, which can mean loss of health insurance for adults and their families, the expansion of the Behavioral Health Safety Net program will be life-changing to our state’s youngest demographic.
I’m truly grateful for these wise investments in the mental health of children and adolescents across Tennessee led by Governor Bill Lee and Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Marie Williams.
The research is indisputable — traumas endured in childhood have impact throughout a person’s lifespan, affecting both mental and physical well-being. Here in the Volunteer State, it’s good to know there are caring policy makers, informed providers and increasing resources to support our communities’ mental health needs.
Dr. Bob Vero is regional CEO of Centerstone (centerstone.org), overseeing the not-for-profit health care organization’s operations in Tennessee and Georgia.