The Mental Health Association of East Tennessee began the Treatment Access Bank, better known as TAB, in August of 2022 with the intention to ease the burden of mental healthcare costs on marginalized individuals, families. emergency rooms, tax payers in East Tennessee.
The Treatment Access Bank “picks up the TAB” for marginalized clients, enabling them to receive 15 sessions of mental health therapy, The program has received diverse startup funding and continues to attract new funding from United Ways, the State of Tennessee, and regional and local foundations. A blend of investment in TAB from clients' copayments and providers' pro bono sessions which have helped to pay it forward, helping the next client!
The Treatment Access Bank has experienced major growth, with over 150 clients served in urban and rural counties, More than 15 providers support clients in the program, ensuring that clients with special treatment considerations are able to have their needs met by culturally appropriate professionals trained to address diverse treatment needs.
By connecting individuals who have financial barriers to care with a licensed mental health treatment provider partnering with the MHA of East Tennessee, we have been able to circumvent unnecessary costs and health burdens on marginalized persons and our systems of care. Importantly, earlier intervention B4Stage 4 has improved the quality of life for underserved individuals in our community and saved $3.36M in downstream costs.