Crisis and Community Resources
Students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have many campus resources available to support their health and well-being. Students are encouraged to first consult these resources, including the Student Counseling Center for urgent mental health needs.
If you or someone near you is in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, dial 911. Students experiencing distress should call 865-974-HELP (4357).
Community Referrals
If you are not experiencing an emergency and need help identifying mental health resources in the community, the Student Counseling Center offers consultations to help students identify appropriate providers that are not affiliated with UT for therapy, substance abuse treatment, mental health medications, or psychological evaluation. Request a confidential consultation through the Student Counseling Center at 865-974-2196.
Crisis Resources
I need to see a mental health professional right away for my emergent mental health symptoms such as suicidal thoughts.
Adult Crisis Stabilization Unit
Call 865-541-6958
A safe place to stay for up to 3 days and receive therapy, medication, support, and discharge planning. This resource is part of the McNabb Center.
Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital
Call 865-245-0070
Around the clock care of specialized clinical staff as they work through a mental health crisis for patients up to age 21. This resource is part of the McNabb Center.
EmPATH Unit
Call 865-539-2409
This 24/7 urgent care facility offers medication and therapy services. Designed to quickly and compassionately stabilize people experiencing a behavioral health crisis and support next steps with comprehensive transition and discharge planning. Length of stay is a maximum of 24 hours. This resource is part of the McNabb Center.
I am experiencing suicidal thoughts or other concerning mental health symptoms, and I need to talk with someone.
Contact a national mental health hotline.
988 Lifeline
Call, text, or chat 988
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
LGBTQ+ Students Hotline: Text START to 678678
Students of Color Hotline: Text STEVE 741741
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1
I have experienced a sexual assault.
Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee
Crisis line: 865-522-7273
The Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee provides support for victims of recent sexual assault or an assault or sexual abuse that happened months or years ago. The center’s hotline is answered 24 hours a day, and the center’s sexual assault nurse examiners are available at all times to provide forensic nursing to sexual assault crime victims.
I am a victim of domestic violence, and I am not safe.
Knoxville Family Justice Center
24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline: 865-521-6336
The Knoxville Family Justice Center is a domestic violence victims assistance program that provides coordinated services to victims and their children, including legal assistance and access to critical social services.
Bridge to Safety
24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline: 865-215-3221
Students who do not live in Knoxville can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
I need to go to a hospital or emergency department.
UT Medical Center
Students who need after-hours or emergent medical care can be seen at the UT Medical Center Emergency Department at 1924 Alcoa Highway.
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
Another emergency department located near UT’s campus is Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. No special pricing exists for UT students.
I need a referral or treatment for alcohol, drug, or other substance abuse or I need a referral or treatment for a gambling addiction.
McNabb Center
Call 865-637-9711
The Tennessee REDLINE is a 24/7 resource for substance misuse and gambling problem referrals. Anyone can call or text 800-889-9789 for confidential referrals.
Non-Crisis Resources
Community Mental Health Resources
If you are not experiencing an emergency and need help identifying mental health resources in the community, the Student Counseling Center offers consultations to help students identify appropriate providers that are not affiliated with UT for therapy, substance abuse treatment, mental health medications, or psychological evaluation. If you aren’t sure where to start contact the Student Counseling Center at 865-974-2196 to request a confidential consultation.
McNabb Center
The McNabb Center provides a full range of mental health, substance use, social and victim services, including adult crisis services, outpatient and residential care, substance use treatment, medication assisted therapy, and domestic violence and sexual assault support.
Peninsula Behavioral Health and Outpatient Services
Peninsula is a division of Covenant Health, serving East Tennessee. Their services include inpatient, outpatient, counseling, substance misuse, and suicide prevention. Outpatient mental health services include care coordination; psychiatric evaluation and medication management; substance use recovery; and therapy for individuals, families, and groups.
River Valley Health (formerly Cherokee Health)
River Valley Health offers a full range of mental health services, including therapy for individuals, families, and couples; group therapy for those with substance use disorders; psychiatric evaluation and medication management; and care coordination. Comprehensive health care services are also available through River Valley Health, including primary care, optometry services, dental services, and pharmacy.
Community Medical Resources
Knox County Health Department
The Knox County Health Department is a public health center that works to encourage, promote, and assure the development of an active, healthy community.
Kim Health Center
The Kim Health Center provides low-cost or free primary care and dental care for working uninsured individuals and their families in East Tennessee. Visit the website to review eligibility and services available.