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Robin Campbell, LMFT, PHD In East Tennessee, many families face moments when stress, fear, or emotional pain feels too heavy to manage alone.
Maverick
Clinical Editorial Team
In East Tennessee, many families face moments when stress, fear, or emotional pain feels too heavy to manage alone. During these times, knowing how to contact care and find the right support can make a real difference for both individuals and their community. The story of crisis support in our region is one of long-standing commitment—over the years, it has grown through outreach, a shared story of service, and a strong mission to connect people to help when it matters most.
This guide will walk through how the 988 care line works, when to use it, and how it can serve as a direct link to support during a mental health crisis. If you have ever wondered when to reach out, who to contact, or what happens next, this information can help you take the next step with confidence.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a fast way for people in Tennessee to reach trained crisis counselors during a mental health emergency. The CONTACT Care Line serves as the primary 988 chat, text, and phone center for East Tennessee. Over the past year, Contact Care answered more than 450,000 calls and provided services to 72,915 individuals in 2025, highlighting the high demand and significant reach of the 988 service. The 988 Lifeline network has facilitated nearly 100,000 supports in East Tennessee alone. A person can call or text 988 when they are having suicidal thoughts, severe emotional distress, panic, or another mental health crisis and need immediate support. For families in Knoxville, 988 can help calm the moment, guide next steps, and connect people to follow-up care such as assessment, outpatient treatment, or dual diagnosis support after the crisis stabilizes.
Call 988 when a person is in emotional distress, has suicidal thoughts, or feels unable to cope but is not in immediate physical danger. This includes panic attacks, severe anxiety, depression, or overwhelming stress that feels like a crisis. 988 provides real time support and helps stabilize the situation.
Call 911 when there is immediate danger to life or safety. This includes a suicide attempt in progress, a person who has a weapon, a serious overdose, or a medical emergency. In these cases, emergency responders are needed right away to protect life.
Families should watch for warning signs like talk of death, hopelessness, or feeling like a burden. Other signs include sudden mood swings, withdrawal from others, risky behavior, or major changes in sleep and appetite. These signals often show that a person is struggling more than usual. If you feel unsure, it is still okay to call 988. Early action can prevent a crisis from getting worse and give families clear guidance. Reaching out sooner can help protect safety and open the door to support.
A trained counselor answers the call, text, or chat and starts by listening. Over the past year, Contact Care answered more than 450,000 calls, demonstrating their responsiveness and active engagement in supporting individuals in crisis. They ask simple questions to understand what the person is feeling and whether there is any immediate danger. This helps them respond in a way that fits the situation.
The counselor then works to calm the person using steady communication and support. They may help create a short term plan to stay safe and reduce distress. If needed, they can also connect the person to local services for follow up care.
The contact care line is designed to respond quickly when someone needs support. A person can call, text, or chat and speak with a trained counselor who listens and guides the conversation. This direct contact helps reduce panic and create a sense of safety.
The care line focuses on simple steps that help stabilize the moment. Counselors assess risk, offer support, and help plan what to do next. This process gives people a clear path forward during a difficult time
Tennessee continues to see high rates of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. Many people face stress from work, family, or health issues that build over time. These pressures can lead to crisis situations if support is not available.
Suicide remains a leading cause of death, which shows the need for early intervention. Services like 988 help reduce barriers to care and provide fast access to support. Increased awareness has also helped more people reach out before a crisis becomes severe.
Substance use can increase impulsive behavior and reduce emotional control during a crisis. Alcohol, opioids, stimulants like meth or cocaine, and benzodiazepines can all raise the risk of self harm, severe distress, or unsafe decisions. Mixing substances or using them during emotional pain can make a mental health crisis more dangerous.
Many people also face co-occurring addiction and mental health issues at the same time. Depression paired with alcohol use can increase isolation and suicidal thoughts, while anxiety with benzodiazepine misuse can lead to dependence and worsening panic symptoms. PTSD with opioid use and bipolar disorder with stimulant use can also raise the risk of mood swings, risky behavior, and repeated crises, which is why these conditions often need treatment that addresses both issues together.
Short-Term:
Long-Term:
Families should focus on safety, support, and next steps once the crisis has passed. Check in often, remove potential risks, and help the person feel stable and supported. This is also the time to plan follow up care and avoid returning to the same crisis pattern.
Encourage open conversation without judgment and stay involved in the recovery process. Help schedule appointments and keep structure in daily routines. Ongoing support can reduce the chance of another crisis.
A safety plan gives clear steps to follow if distress returns. It should include warning signs, coping strategies, and a list of people to contact for support. Keep the plan simple so it is easy to use during stress. Include emergency contacts, safe places, and ways to reduce immediate risk. Review the plan often and update it as needed. A clear plan can help prevent future crises and improve response time.
A mental health assessment helps identify what led to the crisis. It looks at symptoms, behavior, substance use, and overall functioning. This step provides a clear picture of what type of care is needed.
Assessment is important if symptoms continue, worsen, or return after a crisis. Early evaluation can lead to faster treatment and better outcomes. It also helps guide the right level of care.
Across East Tennessee, many communities rely on crisis lines and local resources for support. These services help people facing depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Access to care continues to grow as awareness increases.
Community outreach and education have helped more people understand when to seek help. Local services work together to provide support during and after a crisis. This network plays a key role in protecting public health.
Dual diagnosis care treats both mental health conditions and substance use at the same time. This approach is important when both issues contribute to the crisis. Treating only one can lead to relapse or repeated distress.
Integrated care helps improve emotional stability and reduce substance use triggers. It also supports long term recovery by addressing the root causes. This type of care often leads to better outcomes.
Seek help if symptoms return, increase, or interfere with daily life. Warning signs include ongoing depression, anxiety, substance use, or thoughts of self harm. Early support can prevent another crisis. It is also important to seek help if a person avoids care after a crisis. Delays can increase risk and make recovery harder. Taking action early leads to better outcomes.
Many insurance plans cover mental health and addiction treatment. Coverage depends on the provider, plan, and level of care needed. Services like therapy, outpatient care, and medication may be included. It is important to verify benefits before starting treatment. This helps avoid delays and unexpected costs. Many providers can help check coverage and explain options.
Mental health crises can feel overwhelming, but no one has to face them without support. The 988 care line offers a clear way to contact care, reduce risk, and connect with trained counselors who understand how to respond in the moment. For families across East Tennessee, this service has become an important link to safety, support, and next steps.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, reaching out can be the first step toward stability and recovery. Whether through a call, text, or online contact, taking action today can help protect health, restore hope, and keep people connected to the care they need.
At New Hope Healthcare, as an in-network provider we work with most insurance plans, such as:
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health challenges or substance abuse, seeking treatment and emotional support is crucial. Consulting a doctor can provide the necessary support and guidance for your teen. Reach out to New Hope Healthcare today. Our team of compassionate professionals is here to support your journey towards lasting well-being. Effective medication management is a crucial part of the treatment process to ensure safety and success. Give us a call at 866-799-0806.
Visit SAMHSA for more information.
Call 988 when someone is in emotional distress, having suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health crisis that does not require immediate medical intervention. It is a safe first step for guidance and support.
A trained counselor answers the call, listens, assesses safety, and helps calm the situation. They may also connect you to local resources for ongoing care.
Yes, 988 is free and confidential. You can call, text, or chat without cost, and your information is kept private within safety limits. Individuals can also use email to report safety concerns or communicate during a crisis, ensuring timely intervention by support services.
Yes, 988 can support people dealing with substance use and mental health concerns. They help stabilize the moment and guide next steps like treatment or evaluation.
After the crisis stabilizes, follow up with a mental health assessment or treatment program. Ongoing care like outpatient or dual diagnosis support can help prevent future crises.
988 focuses on de-escalation and does not automatically send police. Emergency services are only contacted if there is immediate danger and safety cannot be maintained.
](https://988lifeline.org/get-help/what-to-expect/)
](https://contactlistens.org/988-suicide-crisis-lifeline/)
](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide)
](https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/serious-mental-illness/co-occurring-disorders)
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