WRAPAROUND, PEER, AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Specialized Grant Services-Wraparound, Peer, and Employment Services

 

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for Employment

Offered in Rutherford County, this program is a collaboration between the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) and the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) – Vocational Rehabilitation Division. IPS is a rapid job-search program, as VBH believes employment is a significant part of the recovery process. We do not utilize vocational testing, and our Employment Specialists communicate with prospective employers within thirty days of working with our clients. IPS has a zero-exclusion policy, which means anyone 18 or older, living in Rutherford County, is qualified for the program, regardless of diagnosis, symptoms, law enforcement engagement, or recent hospitalizations.

Benefits of Employment for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness:

Engaging in competitive employment through IPS offers a range of benefits, including:

  • Increased self-esteem
  • Better control of psychiatric symptoms
  • Reduced psychiatric hospitalizations
  • Decreased involvement in the criminal justice system
  • Enhanced self-sufficiency
  • Decreased dependence on others

Research-backed Effectiveness:

Studies consistently demonstrate the effectiveness of IPS over standard employment supports. This success extends across urban and rural communities, benefiting youth, young adults, individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those with educational goals.

Impact:

Studies emphasize the cost-effectiveness of IPS, showing that employment can substantially reduce the costs of rehabilitation and mental health services. Across the United States, for every 100 people enrolled in an IPS program, 60 secure employment—more than double the success rate of any other employment program.

Why Choose IPS at VBH?

At VBH, we believe in the proven effectiveness of IPS programs, in not only the benefits of employment for individuals with serious mental illness but also the economic sustainability of such models. Enrolling in IPS at VBH ensures:

  • Ongoing collaboration with Statewide IPS Trainers for support and technical assistance
  • Fidelity reviews to safeguard effective implementation of the IPS model
  • Proven success in diverse demographic groups and geographic settings
  • Positive impact on reducing rehabilitation and mental health service costs

Discover the possibilities with Volunteer Behavioral Health’s IPS program. Contact us to learn more and begin a journey towards employment and empowerment.

For Referrals to Individual Placement and Supported Employment (IPS): shansen@vbhcs.org, 615-330-7647

Juvenile Justice Reform (JJR)

The Juvenile Justice Reform program provides in-home and community-based services to youth in the juvenile justice system, prioritizing family and youth voices. Employing a modified wraparound team model, JJR utilizes a tailored approach, offering family, peer, and education support. The program, free for youth and families in 22 counties, is funded by TDMHSAS.

Available in the following counties:

  • Macon
  • Clay
  • Pickett
  • Jackson
  • Overton
  • Fentress
  • Smith
  • DeKalb
  • Putnam
  • White
  • Cumberland
  • Warren
  • Van Buren
  • Grundy
  • Sequatchie
  • Bledsoe
  • Rhea
  • Meigs
  • McMinn
  • Bradley
  • Polk
  • Marion

For Referrals to Juvenile Justice Reform (JJR): JJR@vbhcs.org or call our First Time Appointment Line

System of Care Across TN (SOCAT)

SOCAT offers intense wraparound support for youth and young adults at risk of removal from home, with behavioral health diagnoses, or functional impairments. Recognizing families as primary decision-makers, SOCAT provides individualized community-based services across several counties, funded by TDMHSAS in partnership with the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth (TCCY).

Available in the following counties:

  • Fentress
  • Jackson
  • Monroe
  • Hamilton
  • Grundy
  • Meigs
  • Putnam and surrounding counties

 

System of Care Across TN (SOCAT): All referrals through website: https://socacrosstn.org/make-a-referral/

Regional Intervention Program (RIP)

RIP, a nationally recognized model, supports families with children under six experiencing behavior problems. This parent-implemented program is funded by TDMHSAS, offering training, consultation, and guidance. RIP services are available at VBH’s Cleveland and Smyrna campuses.

  • Cleveland
  • Smyrna

For Referrals to Regional Intervention Program (RIP): RIPCoord@vbhcs.org

Project AFFIRM

Project AFFIRM is a planned respite program for families with children aged two to 15 with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED). Funded by TDMHSAS, it provides short-term relief, teaches parents empowerment models, and supports families with break time and behavioral management skills. AFFIRM is available at VBH’s Smyrna campus but may accommodate other areas on a case-by-case basis.

  • Smyrna

For Referrals to Project AFFIRM: AFFIRM@vbhcs.org

Peer Support Services

Peer Support Centers provide individuals experiencing mental illness and co-occurring disorders with a welcoming recovery environment. The program is free to anyone with a mental health condition or co-occurring mental illness and addiction. Overall health and wellness are crucial components of the Peer Support Centers. WRAP and Bridges classes assist members in achieving goals. The Centers are peer-run and offer a variety of educational, social, and recovery-oriented programs. VBH has ten Peer Support Centers across the region.

  • Cleveland
  • Athens
  • Jasper
  • Cookeville
  • Dayton
  • McMinnville
  • Livingston
  • Crossville
  • Gallatin
  • Murfreesboro

For Referrals to Peer Support Centers: PSCmanagers@vbhcs.org

DAKODA PLACE  (423) 762-1433 (center) 940 South Ocoee St Cleveland, TN 37311

DAKODA PLACE  423-827-9460 (center) 1805 Ingleside Avenue Athens, TN 37303

THE COTTAGE  423-939-2776 (center) 112 College Street Jasper, TN 37347

FRIENDS & COMPANY  931-218-2399 (center) 1200 South Willow Avenue Cookeville, TN 38506

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE  423-775-0809 (center) 1108 Railroad Street Dayton, TN 37321

HARMONY HOUSE 931-303-2877 (cell) 605 Red Road McMinnville, TN 37110

MY FRIENDS HOUSE  931-823-5680 (center) 501 Spruce Street Livingston, TN 38570

THE SUNSHINE HOUSE  931-456-4727 (center) 47 Willow Street Crossville, TN 38558

ENRICHMENT HOUSE  615-452-2344 (center) 538 East Main Street Gallatin, TN 37066

OUR PLACE  615-867-3538 (center) 120 Hancock Street Murfreesboro, TN 37130

 

Finding My Recovery

FindingMyRecovery is Tennessee’s first positive, strengths-focused virtual peer support community focusing on supporting and educating individuals who express interest in and commitment to recovery from substance use and co-occurring disorders. FindingMyRecovery members have access to resources that help them find and maintain life skills that allow them to live the life they want. The website is available 24/7, and all members are invited to become involved in completing relapse prevention skills, blogging, reading recovery articles, making healthy peer connections, and posting in groups focused on recovery. An interactive, multi-level relapse prevention plan and a guided 12-step model are available to all members. Chats and Topics meetings are held Monday-Friday with trained recovery coaches.

For Referrals to FindingMyRecovery.org: Call 931-319-0724 or go to https://findingmyrecovery.org/contact/enroll-in-findingmyrecovery/ 

Grundy Safe Communities Coalition

The Grundy Safe Communities Coalition strives to establish a safe, caring, drug-free community supporting youth and families. Focused on reducing underage drinking, tobacco use, and nonmedical prescription drug abuse in Grundy County, the program is funded by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS).

For Referrals to Grundy Safe Communities Coalition: Call 931-592-2923 or go to https://gsccvista.wixsite.com/grundysafe/contact

First Episode Psychosis (FEPI)

The On Track TN First Episode Psychosis Initiative (FEPI) is an evidence-based program designed to provide early intervention services for selected youth and young adults ages fifteen through thirty years. This comprehensive intervention model is for people who have experienced a first episode of psychosis. Mental health professionals at VBH provide specialized treatment to help people work toward personal goals and get their life back on track. FEPI helps these individuals navigate the road to recovery from an episode of psychosis, including supporting efforts to function well at home, at a job, and in the social world. The program includes individual and group therapy, supported employment and education, family education and support, psychopharmacology, peer support, and care coordination. Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) funds this program. VBH currently provides FEPI services in Rutherford County.

For Referrals to Rutherford County FEPI:  ontracktnrutherford@vbhcs.org