Memphis Mental Health Institute
865 Poplar Avenue• Memphis, TN 38105
Phone: 901-524-1200 • Fax: 901-543-6055

Referral Process / Criteria for Admission

Memphis Mental Health Institute (MMHI) offers acute inpatient psychiatric services for adults 18 years of age and older. This level of care is designed to provide psychiatric diagnosis, stabilization, and individual treatment as designated by the patient’s treatment team. No person will be denied admission to Memphis Mental Health Institute based on race, sex, religion, or ability to pay.

Most admissions to Memphis Mental Health Institute are admitted on an emergency involuntary basis. These admissions must first be evaluated in the community by a mandatory pre-screening agent (MPA) to determine if the individual meets the legal criteria for emergency involuntary admission under Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33, Chapter 6, Part 4. If a MPA is not available to evaluate the individual within 2 hours, the evaluation may be conducted by a physician or a psychologist with health service provider designation in consultation with the mobile crisis team. If the MPA (or physician or psychologist if a MPA is not available within 2 hours) determines that the individual meets criteria for emergency involuntary admission, a Certificate of Need for emergency involuntary admission will be completed by the MPA (or physician or psychologist) and the individual may then be referred to MMHI. There are several MPAs in Shelby County, with the majority affiliated with either the Mobile Crisis Team or the Lakeside Triage Center. These agencies can be reached as follows:

Mobile Crisis Team (901) 577-9400

Lakeside Triage Center (901) 545-6558

To refer an individual to MMHI for emergency involuntary hospitalization, the MPA (or physician or psychologist, if a MPA is not available within 2 hours) must provide the following documentation to MMHI Admissions Department:

• The Certificate of Need for emergency involuntary admission
• Information as to whether the person has a durable power of attorney for health care or declaration for mental health treatment (if ascertainable) and a copy if it is available
• Information as to whether the person is on mandatory outpatient treatment (if ascertainable and if applicable)
• Name of person referring to MMHI
• Known medical condition(s)
• Current or recent prescription and/or over-the-counter medication(s), if any
• Current or recent use of alcohol and/or other substance use, if any
• Name of current or most recent community mental health provider (if known)
• Recommendations for services and/or supports following discharge

Upon arrival at MMHI, a MMHI physician will also evaluate the individual. If the MMHI physician concurs that the individual meets the criteria for emergency involuntary hospitalization, a second Certificate of Need will be completed by the physician and the person will be admitted to MMHI.

Referrals for admission are also accepted via court order or transfer from other hospitals pursuant to Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (TDMHDD) statute and policies.

To make a referral, contact MMHI Admissions Department at the number listed below.

Contact Information for MMHI Admissions Department
Telephone (901) 524-1334 – Fax (901) 524- 1332