Tennessee Behavioral Health Center Breaks Ground

By Eric Althoff

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.—Construction has commenced on the Knoxville Center for Behavioral Medicine, a new medical center that will cater specifically to the mental health needs of the eastern Tennessee community.

The center will be a joint venture realized by National HealthCare Corporation (NHC), Tennova Healthcare, the University of Tennessee Medical Center and Reliant Healthcare Corporation. According to WBIR, the new 55,000-square-foot health complex will be situated on a 9-acre plot of land in Knoxville’s Tennova Health Park.  The center will specifically focus on depression, PTSD, substance abuse issues, memory loss, and be set up to help those experiencing psychotic breaks and schizophrenic episodes.  Hospitalizations will be offered for the most severe cases, and outpatient programs tailored to individual patient needs will be part of the center’s care package as well.

In a recent release from the University of Tennessee, Steve Flatt, NHC’s CEO, said that the Knoxville Center for Behavioral Medicine will fulfil a critical care need in the surrounding community.

“This partnership exemplifies the power of healthcare organizations working together to improve the quality of life for our patients,” said Flatt.

“Now more than ever, we need to provide accessible, high-quality care for behavioral health patients,” Jim Harper, president of Reliant Healthcare Corporation, said.  “The Knoxville Center for Behavioral Medicine will offer help and hope to patients in a safe and supportive environment.”

The new behavioral health center is projected to bring 100 jobs to Eastern Tennessee when the facility opens its doors for care needs sometime in the middle part of 2022.

“There is a critical need to provide high-quality care to adults and seniors who may be experiencing psychological or emotional difficulties in our 16-county region,” Joe Landsman, president and chief executive officer of the University of Tennessee Medical Center, said in a statement.  “The collaborative effort between these reputable healthcare organizations will bring experienced care to the community and address the need and access issues we see on a regular basis.”

Added Jim Harper, president of Reliant Healthcare: “The Knoxville Center for Behavioral Medicine will offer help and hope to patients in a safe and supportive environment.”