Research has consistently demonstrated the significance of peer support in the services provided to individuals with mental health issues. Any decrease in funding for peer support in Tennessee would be a major setback. After the hearing on the TDMHSAS budget, TennCare was next, and the good news for mental health in Tennessee kept coming. The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) is responsible for providing mental health services to people in the state.
The department is funded by both state and federal funds, with the majority of its budget coming from the state. The TDMHSAS budget for 2021 is $1.2 billion, which is an increase of $50 million from 2020. The TDMHSAS budget includes funding for a variety of services, including mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and peer support services. The budget also includes funding for prevention and early intervention programs, as well as research and evaluation activities.
The TDMHSAS budget also includes funding for a variety of initiatives that are designed to improve access to mental health services in Tennessee. These initiatives include expanding access to telehealth services, increasing access to medication-assisted treatment, and providing additional resources for individuals with serious mental illness. The TDMHSAS budget also includes funding for a variety of programs that are designed to reduce stigma and discrimination against individuals with mental health issues. These programs include public education campaigns, training for providers, and initiatives that promote positive attitudes towards mental health. The TDMHSAS budget is an essential source of funding for mental health services in Tennessee. It is critical that the department continues to receive adequate funding in order to guarantee that individuals with mental health issues have access to the services they need.
