Many of the homeless persons living in Tennessee have mental illness problems, so the question we have is… how do homeless get help for mental illness? We headed to Michael Rabkin, Director of Media Relations at the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, to find out the answer to that question…

The problem is that once an arrest has been made and a crime has occurred, help for the mental illness may be too late. The person with may find themselves behind bars with metal health treatment further delayed by months, years or even decades.

WGNS then asked Rabkin if someone was able to recognize their mental illness or if it was recognized by a family member, would the Rutherford County Health Department be able to aid in a treatment plan?

To learn more call 615-532-6500. You can also visit tn.gov/mental.

Hear the entire interview we previously recorded with Mr. Rabkin (7min. 16sec):

The Guidance Center in Murfreesboro is an excellent place to turn to for help. Learn more HERE.