News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has secured a $2.4 million federal grant to bolster mental health services in Southeast Tennessee. The funding will support the B-HIP initiative, which aims to train graduate students in counseling, psychology, and social work. Over four years, the program will support 12 students annually through stipends, internships, and mentorships to address the region’s mental health needs, particularly among children and adolescents. This effort seeks to increase the availability of trained professionals in an area facing a significant shortage of mental health resources.
Chattanooga, TN – The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has received a significant boost in its efforts to improve mental health services in its region, announced with the award of a $2.4 million federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This funding is specifically aimed at increasing the number of trained behavioral health professionals in Southeast Tennessee, an area where mental health resources are critically needed.
The grant will provide $600,000 annually over a four-year period to support UTC’s new initiative known as “B-HIP” (Behavioral Healthcare through Interprofessional Training). This program is designed to prepare graduate students in the fields of counseling, psychology, and social work to meet the growing mental health needs of rural communities.
Under the leadership of a dedicated team of six faculty members from UTC’s College of Health, Education and Professional Studies, the B-HIP initiative will annually accommodate 12 graduate students, offering them stipends, field placements in clinical or school settings, and mentorship opportunities. As part of their comprehensive training, participants will be involved in simulation-based learning and attend annual conferences, enhancing their practical skills and professional networking. Additionally, they will receive support from site supervisors throughout their training experience.
The B-HIP program is designed not only to equip students with essential skills but also to encourage them to establish long-term careers in the communities where they receive training. Partnerships with eight regional organizations, including local school districts and various agencies, will facilitate internships and help students secure job placements upon graduation.
A further component of the program involves the development of a digital learning library that will include case simulations and telehealth training resources. This digital initiative will augment students’ learning experiences while preparing them for contemporary challenges in the behavioral health field.
The focus of this initiative is predominantly on serving children and adolescents, addressing the rising mental health needs of youth experiencing distress. The region encompasses 11 counties: Polk, Bradley, Hamilton, McMinn, Meigs, Rhea, Bledsoe, Sequatchie, Grundy, Marion, and Franklin. Current mental health care availability in these areas is alarmingly low. The ratio of residents to mental health providers stands at approximately 3,080 to one, which is significantly higher than the national average, revealing a pressing need for local trained professionals.
By enhancing the behavior healthcare workforce through the B-HIP initiative, UTC aims not only to fill the existing gaps in mental health services but also to lay a foundation for future professionals committed to improving mental health outcomes within their communities. The establishment of this program is a strategic step toward addressing the disparities in mental health access and ensuring that individuals, particularly youth, receive the necessary care and support.
This grant and subsequent initiative underscore the importance of education and training in improving mental health services, particularly in underserved areas. UTC’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce is critical to the future of behavioral health care in Southeast Tennessee.
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Additional Resources
- Local 3 News
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- Times Free Press
- Google Search: Behavioral Health Workforce
- Chattanoogan
- Google Scholar: Behavioral Health Initiatives
- WDEF News
- Encyclopedia Britannic: Mental Health
- Chattanoogan – UTC Spring Research
- Google News: Mental Health Grants
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
