Timely Resources for Tennessee Children’s Mental Health
Submitted by Dr. Bob Vero
February 1, 2021

Tennesseans weathered literal and figurative storms in the past 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, especially for older adults with complicated and/or co-morbid health conditions—we must not overlook the impact these events have on child and adolescent health and wellness.

	Dr. Bob Vero; image courtesy of Centerstone

We teach our children “good sandbox” behavior—to share their toys and play together. Children thrive in stable, predictable environments. COVID-19 has turned that world upside down. Now they learn to keep playthings to themselves, to social distance. Schools fluctuate between in-class and at-home virtual learning as infection rates dictate. Extracurricular activities are, at best, disrupted if not altogether cancelled. Holidays and birthdays were – and will likely continue to be – different for the months ahead. Grandparents and friends aren’t seen as often, if at all. How are our children and adolescents making sense of our current 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. These master’s level therapists consult teachers to enhance learning environments for children at-risk for Serious Emotional Disturbance and substance use disorders. They are strengthening that vital community connection between our public schools and families, even during these uncertain times.

Finally, Tennessee’s Behavioral Health Safety Net program has expanded to include uninsured children. Officials recently appropriated $7.6 million to directly fund mental health services for ages three 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 the wise investments in the mental health of children and adolescents across Tennessee led by Governor Bill Lee and TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams.

As we enter a new year with hope and promise as COVID-19 vaccine roll out has begun, it is still important to acknowledge how crucial it is to care for the psychosocial and behavioral needs of vulnerable youth during and beyond the pandemic. The research is indisputable—traumas endured in childhood often have impact throughout a person’s lifespan, affecting both mental and physical wellbeing. 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, overseeing the not-for-profit healthcare organization’s operations in Tennessee and Georgia.