MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennesseans grappling with mental health challenges will soon have additional support, as Mental Health Cooperative, based in Nashville, broke ground on a new clinic in Murfreesboro this Wednesday.
The 1500 square foot facility, strategically located near established healthcare providers like Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital, aims to address the increasing prevalence of severe and persistent mental illness in Rutherford County. Michelle Shafer, CEO of Mental Health Cooperative, emphasized the urgent need for expanded mental health services, citing a significant rise in depression cases across the region.
“Between three and four out of every five people experience a mental health issue,” Shafer noted. “We’re witnessing a critical need for enhanced resources.”
Research from the University of Memphis underscored the gap between mental health service demand and availability in Tennessee, highlighting the necessity for new facilities like this one.
“This state-of-the-art mental health facility is crucial,” Shafer emphasized. “Our resources are finite, and we must collaborate across agencies to ensure comprehensive community care.”
Shafer highlighted the facility’s potential synergy with local co-responders who assist police in mental health crises, providing immediate access to necessary care.
“This clinic will serve as a vital resource, offering seamless access to anyone in our community who needs help,” Shafer added. “It’s a foundational step toward building a robust system of mental health care in Murfreesboro.”
The new clinic on Gateway Boulevard is slated to open its doors in 2025, marking a significant advancement in mental health support for the region.
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