SMART Research, Training & Treatment Center

Supporting Mental Health Access to Resources through Telehealth (SMART)

Founded in June 2020 by Dr. Susan Elswick, the SMART Center provides a tele-behavioral health training and treatment program for the region to counteract the impacts that COVID-19 had on the mental health service delivery here. Our online clinic uses videoconferencing to provide evidence-based clinical interventions for children, youth and families across Tennessee.

The Supporting Mental Health Access to Resources through Telehealth (SMART) Center for children and adolescents continues AND adding in Fall 2022 Supporting Mental Health Access to Resources through Telehealth (SMART) for adults aims to provide evidence-based interventions for individual (Fall 2022) and school based mental health programming, increase access for individuals and school-based behavioral health programming in underserved areas, provide training on best practices in tele-behavioral health, develop opportunities to research the use of technology in practice, and provide direct services to the states most vulnerable populations.

All clinical supervisors (Tennessee LCSWs with over 16 years of post-graduate experience) hold faculty appointments in the University of Memphis School of Social Work. Our clinical team expands with the needs of the community. As a training clinic and workforce development program, we provide graduate-level clinical interns the opportunity to provide hands-on service to the community, thus building the state-level capacity to serve the mental and behavioral health needs of the community. Meet the team >

The SMART Center receives funding support from the Urban Child Institute and the University of Memphis Institute for Interdisciplinary Memphis Partnerships to Advance Community Transformation (iIMPACT).and new funding in Fall 2022 to expand adult service offerings( Details coming soon!) It is housed within the School of Social Work/School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy (SUAPP) and operates within the iIMPACT program and the Interprofessional Community Health Clinic (ICHC) at the UofM.

Vision Statement

The SMART Center aspires to be a leader in behavioral health by advancing innovative practices through workforce development and cutting-edge research. We envision a future where accessible, high-quality mental health services are enhanced by technology and expressive arts, empowering both practitioners and clients. By adapting evidence-based interventions for teletherapy, we aim to foster resilience and well-being in diverse communities, ultimately transforming mental health care delivery and outcomes.

How It Works

The SMART Center provides clients in grades K-12 (ages 5-18) AND adding in Fall 2022 Supporting Mental Health Access to Resources through Telehealth (SMART) for the adults, a virtual alternative to "face-to-face” sessions via online counseling and psychotherapy services. Services are provided in English and offered as weekly 30-45-minute counseling appointments over an 8-12 week (length of services are determined on an individual basis) process.

The therapy provider and client connect from separate locations via a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. Clients can join their virtual sessions from a private location such as their home or in professionally supervised offices called “tele-suites.” The SMART Center will work with you to determine the best set-up for your sessions and programming.

The SMART Center uses a sophisticated yet easy-to-use videoconferencing platform that meets all HIPAA and federal security guidelines. Clients need access to a device with a web camera, mic and speakers and reliable Internet connection.

Prior to starting any service delivery, our SMART Center team will connect to provide an overview of services, discuss roles and expectations, gather intake paperwork, and obtain necessary informed consent/ assent from the individual,youth, and the caregiver. Parental permission is required for all services provided to children and youth under the age of 18 in the state of Tennessee. Contact us via the form here

Review The Warm Line Flyer here.

Spanish version here

Review Therapy Services Flyer here

Spanish Version here

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday 9:00 am-7:00 pm | Some Saturday’s 10:00 am-3:00 pm

Warm Line - 901.678.1636
Monday-Friday 9:00 am-4:00 pm
The SMART Center also hosts a "warm line" that provides support, psychoedcation and linkage to community services FREE of charge. The "warm line" is not intended for crisis support, but to assist families with identifying resources in the community. Please call: Warm Line - 901.678.1636

Get Started

Enroll by contacting us at SMARTCenter@memphis.edu

Please indicate what program you are with so we can appropriately route your services (i.e. Legacy of Legends, a School District, Individual referral).
If you are a school district interested in a contract with the SMART Center for behavioral and mental health services, please email us at SMARTCenter@memphis.edu and indicate what school district you are with, a phone and email address where you can be reached, and the projected number of hours of service needs.
For individual family and client needs, please email us at SMARTCenter@memphis.edu and indicate you are a self-referral and seeking services for your child/ children. We will need your name, your child's name, an email addressand phone contact where you can be reached, and your child's current needs.
We will return your email/ contact within 24 business hours of receipt.
You can also scan the QR code to contact The SMART Center here