What is Erlanger Behavioral Health and What Services Do They Provide?
Erlanger Behavioral Health stands as a cornerstone of mental health and addiction treatment services in the Chattanooga region. As part of the larger Erlanger Health System, this specialized division provides evidence-based care designed to help individuals overcome mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and behavioral health crises. Whether you’re seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or substance use disorders, Erlanger offers multiple pathways to recovery with trained psychiatric professionals and counselors.
What Types of Behavioral Health Services Does Erlanger Offer?
Erlanger’s behavioral health division operates across multiple care levels. Inpatient services provide 24-hour psychiatric care for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises or requiring intensive treatment. Outpatient programs offer ongoing counseling, psychotherapy, and psychiatric medication management for those managing chronic mental health conditions. The facility also specializes in age-specific treatment tracks, recognizing that children and adolescents require different therapeutic approaches than adults.
How Do I Access Erlanger Behavioral Health Services or Make an Appointment?
Accessing Erlanger Behavioral Health services is straightforward. For non-emergency appointments, you can call their behavioral health intake line or visit the Erlanger Health System website to request an evaluation. Many patients also receive referrals from their primary care doctor, which can expedite the intake process. For immediate crises, the facility maintains a 24/7 crisis line and emergency department.
What Insurance Plans and Payment Options Does Erlanger Behavioral Health Accept?
Financial accessibility is a priority at Erlanger Behavioral Health. The facility works with major insurance providers and offers sliding scale fees based on income for uninsured patients. During your intake process, financial counselors can discuss payment arrangements and help identify available assistance programs.
What Treatment Programs Are Available for Substance Abuse at Erlanger?
Substance abuse treatment at Erlanger follows evidence-based protocols. Medical detoxification services manage withdrawal symptoms safely under clinical supervision. Residential programs provide immersive treatment in a structured environment, while outpatient options allow individuals to maintain work and family responsibilities. Medication-assisted treatment combines pharmaceutical support with counseling for comprehensive addiction recovery.
Does Erlanger Behavioral Health Offer Teletherapy or Virtual Mental Health Appointments?
Recognizing the importance of access and convenience, Erlanger has expanded virtual mental health services. Teletherapy appointments allow patients to receive counseling from home, reducing barriers like transportation and scheduling conflicts. This flexibility is particularly valuable for ongoing psychiatric medication management and therapy sessions.
What Is the Crisis Intervention Process at Erlanger Behavioral Health?
Mental health crises demand immediate attention. Erlanger’s emergency psychiatric services are available around the clock to assess and stabilize individuals experiencing acute distress. The crisis team conducts thorough evaluations and determines appropriate care levels, whether that’s emergency hospitalization, crisis stabilization, or connection to outpatient resources. For ongoing support, psychiatric providers can coordinate comprehensive treatment plans following crisis resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Erlanger Behavioral Health serve children and adolescents?
Erlanger recognizes that young people have unique mental health needs. Their pediatric and adolescent programs employ clinicians trained in child and adolescent psychiatry, using age-appropriate therapeutic techniques and involving families in treatment planning.
Can I get a psychiatric evaluation at Erlanger without a referral?
You don’t necessarily need a doctor’s referral to access Erlanger’s services. Contacting the facility directly initiates the intake process, though having a referral may provide valuable clinical context for your treatment team.
What should I expect during my first appointment at Erlanger Behavioral Health?
First appointments are thorough intake evaluations where clinicians gather detailed information about your mental health history, current symptoms, medications, and life circumstances. This assessment guides personalized treatment planning and helps match you with appropriate services and providers.