The Tennessee Healthy Transitions Initiative is a partnership of state and local community agencies and youth led organizations working together to assist Tennessee youth and young adults ages 16-25 who have or at risk of developing a serious mental health condition or co-occurring disorder in improving their health and wellness, leading self-directed lives, and reaching their full potential. By
increasing public awareness and outreach efforts and providing effective and engaging services and supports, the Initiative aims to keep youth and young adults from “falling through the cracks.”
This statewide initiative provides mental health and other support services (including supported employment and education and peer support) and creates opportunities for informal peer support. Informal peer support is offered in youth and young adult councils, which are comprised of youth and young adults ages 16-25 to years old. These councils provide a safe space for youth and young adults to develop leadership and advocacy skills, explore and create plans to address community issues, and learn how to create change within their communities and state. Direct services and supports are provided by Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System in Hamilton County and by Carey Counseling Center, Inc. in the following counties: Benton, Carroll, Gibson, Henry, Lake, Obion, and Weakley. Centerstone Research Institute coordinates evaluation activities. The Tennessee Healthy Transitions Initiative is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and is administered by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS).
