The Regional Intervention Program, also known as “RIP”, is a nationally recognized, parent implemented, and activity based program for families with young children exhibiting behavior problems.  RIP is supported with grants through the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (TDMHDD). RIP has been widely replicated outside of Tennessee, as well, with RIP Expansion programs in Ohio, Washington, and Iowa. RIP is the recipient of seven national awards and featured in over seventy professional publications. The American Psychiatric Association and the President’s Committee on Mental Retardation have honored RIP for its unique service delivery system.  CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), an international organization for families dealing with ADHD, named RIP the “Innovative Program of the Year 2001”, and has featured RIP as an innovative program since that time. 

RIP is an early intervention program serving children with behavioral problems under the age of six (6) years; many with varying developmental abilities.   Parents serve as primary therapists for their own children at RIP, with valuable peer support from other families facing similar challenges.  Newly enrolled parents work with staff and veteran RIP parents in learning, practicing, and implementing positive behavior management skills, strategies, and techniques in dealing with their child’s behavior issues. RIP has been teaching discipline techniques to help preschoolers and their families since 1969 and is staffed by professionals and parents who have completed the program with their own children.