Frequently Asked Questions
What is The AIM Center?
The AIM Center Clubhouse is a nonprofit organization in Chattanooga, Tennessee that serves as a safe place where adults living with Serious Mental Illnesses (SMI) can transform, heal, connect and focus on wellness. The AIM Center is the only Clubhouse in the state of Tennessee. The clubhouse serves as a beacon of hope for members of our community and provides resources and programs to allow them to thrive. Nearly every day, something different is happening at the Clubhouse – whether it’s a dance class, cooking together in the cafe, meeting with a new member, navigating job placement or creating a beautiful work of art in the studio – no two days are the same when you’re a member here. To learn more about membership, click here.
The AIM Center is a non-medical facility, so individuals who are members must be able to be independent. Members must handle taking their own medication, handle their own toileting needs, be able to feed themselves, etc.
Once you are a member of the AIM Center, you are considered a member for life. So, even if you don’t need us for 5 years, then suddenly one day you do, we will welcome you back with open arms. We would love to see you every day but know there are no specific time constrains to membership.
What does "clubhouse" mean? Where does it come from?
A clubhouse is a community of people who are working together toward a common goal. Clubhouse is an evidence-based model known as the clubhouse Model which is a psychosocial rehabilitation approach to recovery from serious mental illness that addresses social and economic factors as part of a comprehensive, community-based approach.
A clubhouse is a community intentionally organized to support individuals living with the effects of mental illness. A clubhouse is a restorative environment for people who have had their lives drastically disrupted and need the support of others who believe that recovery from mental illness is possible for all. By participating in a clubhouse, individuals are provided opportunities to reconnect with friendships, family, meaningful work, employment, and education, as well as access the services and supports they may need.
The descriptive name of “clubhouse” was taken from the original language that was used to communicate the work and vision of the first clubhouse, Fountain house in New York City, started in 1944. As the first community of its kind, Fountain House has served as the model for all subsequent clubhouses that have developed around the world. As of May 2025, there are more than 330 world-wide!
Since 1989, the AIM Center has operated using an evidence-based model, known as the Clubhouse Model, providing a restorative environment for people whose lives have been severely disrupted because of their mental illness.
What are the standards of a Clubhouse?
The International Standards for Clubhouse Programs, consensually agreed upon by the worldwide Clubhouse community, defines the Clubhouse Model of rehabilitation. These principles are at the heart of the Clubhouse community’s success in helping people with mental illness to stay out of hospitals while achieving social, financial, educational and vocational goals. These standards serve as a “bill of rights” for all members, and as a “code of ethics” for staff, board and administrators. To read the full list of standards we follow, visit the Quality Standards page from Clubhouse International.
What is a Serious Mental Illness (SMI)?
Serious mental illness (SMI) is defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities. The burden of mental illnesses is particularly concentrated among those who experience disability due to SMI. In the DSM-Iv Axis I disorders included both mental health and substance use disorders.
Mental health conditions falling within the category of Axis I disorders are:
- Anxiety disorders (panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.)
- Dissociative disorders (dissociative identity disorder, depersonalization-derealization disorder, etc.)
- Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, etc.)
- Mood disorders (major depression, bipolar I and bipolar II disorder, etc.)
- Psychotic disorders (delusional disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, etc.)
How does someone become a member of the Clubhouse?
To become a member of the AIM Center clubhouse, head over to our Membership page for a step-by-step process.
Is there a cost to be a member of the AIM Center?
While there is no ‘formal membership fee’ to be part of the AIM Center, we do bill your insurance provider to help cover the costs of the psychosocial rehabilitation we are working on with you. We also host programs, outings, meals, etc. that sometimes incur an extra cost, but they are not a deal breaker. Our membership team is happy to work alongside you if costs are an issue.
Can I tour the Center?
Absolutely! We love giving tours to prospective members and partners in our community. To arrange a tour, please email the Membership Team at membership@aimcenterinc.org or call (423) 624-4800. If you are a business looking to partner with the AIM Center and want to tour, please email development@aimcenterinc.org or call (423) 637-7062.
What resources are available to me if I don't want to be a member?
If you do not want to be a member of the Clubhouse, but are still in need of mental health support, we encourage you to speak with a member of our staff or a Clubhouse member to learn more. You unlock many resources if you are a member! You do not have to be a member to access our housing resource center. Additionally, if you still find that you do not want to be a member but are in need of mental health support, we encourage you to speak with a licensed mental health professional.
What resources are available to me if I do want to be a member?
As a member of the AIM Clubhouse, you are welcome to come by any time we are open. Inside the Clubhouse you have access to a community of individuals to befriend; a designated recovery coach and peer-support to work though life with; and endless resources and opportunities ranging from housing placement, job placement and support, life skills development, an art studio, a media studio, a fitness center, a library, a financial resource center, weekly clubs and classes, member socials, outings in our community with other members, a cafe with lunch every day, a snack bar, and so much more! The benefits of being a member are truly unlimited.
When is the AIM center open?
The AIM Center Clubhouse is typically open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM for members to visit. We are open to members during off-hours for pre-planned socials and employment dinners. If you need to arrange a time to come by or speak with a specific staff member, please contact them directly or email membership@aimcenterinc.org.
How is the AIM Center funded?
The AIM Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. While we do bill for funding from providers like TennCare and Medicaid, the majority of our funding comes from state and local grants as well as private donations from generous individuals and corporations. To learn more about how you can support the AIM Center, visit our Ways to Give page.
The AIM Center offers housing to individuals. How can I learn more?
While we do encourage you to be a member to unlock all the potential benefits, you do not have to be a member to access the services provided by the Housing Resource Center. Please be aware, we do not offer emergency housing assistance. To learn more about all the supports offered, please visit our Housing Resource Center page.
I need help finding a job. How can I learn more?
Our supported employment programs are for AIM Center members only. If you’re not a member yet, we encourage you to apply today! To learn more about our supported employment programs, please visit our Employment Resource Center page.
I used to be a member, but I haven't been in a while. Can I come back?
Once you are a member, you’re a member for life. So, even if you don’t need us for 5 years, then suddenly one day you do, we will be excited to welcome you back. If you were once a member, but haven’t been to the Clubhouse in more than 90 days, please email our membership team at membership@aimcenterinc.org or call (423) 624-4800. You can also stop by anytime between 8 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Friday to speak with someone on our Membership Team.
I've been turned away in the past as a member. Can I reapply?
Depending on the reason you were turned away in the past, we can absolutely navigate your application again. Things are always changing around the Clubhouse, and our team is working hard to reduce as many barriers as possible to becoming a member. Please reach out to the Membership Team by email membership@aimcenterinc.org or call (423) 624-4800.
I don't have insurance and need a diagnosis to become a member. What can I do?
We recognize that for many individuals, there are barriers in place to receiving a formal diagnosis. We have partners ready to help you navigate this at no cost. Please email the Membership Team at membership@aimcenterinc.org or call (423) 624-4800.
I am going through a mental health crisis. Can you help me?
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please call the suicide prevention hotline by calling 988 or emergency services by calling 911. We encourage you to get professional medical support as soon as possible. We do not offer mental health crisis services like a behavioral health hospital would.
Check out some of these crisis resources from our friends in the community:
I care about someone with a Serious Mental Illness (SMI). What can I do to support them?
Thank you for being a friend, loved one or advocate to someone in your life with a SMI. We recommend encouraging them to look into membership with AIM Center, or their local Clubhouse. Additionally, many other mental health supports exist and can cater to the individual in need.
Can I volunteer at the Clubhouse?
We so appreciate your willingness to help! Due to the nature of Clubhouse programming, our need for typical volunteers is very minimal. We do love to partner with businesses for big working day type tasks (ex. landscaping, painting, etc.) and can often work with professionals to develop new types of programming within the Clubhouse. If you’re interested or have questions, we’re always happy to chat! Send an email to development@aimcenterinc.org for more information.
I'm a business that wants to help support the Center. What can I do?
Thank you for your interest in supporting the Clubhouse! There are a handful of things you can do to help. Whether it’s becoming an advocate, making a donation, or becoming an employment partner, we can help you find the right fit! Please email us at development@aimcenterinc.org for more information and to be connected to the appropriate staff member.