South Carolina Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in South Carolina
According to Mental Health America of Spartanburg County, South Carolina ranks 25th in the nation for prevalence of mental illness among adults. It also comes in at 49th in terms of access to care.
The Palmetto State has seen an increase in mental health needs over the past three to five years, as reported by the SC State Health Assessment Companion Report. This is especially the case in rural areas, which were hit hard with unemployment during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Increasing access to care has become a top priority across the state, as more than 25% SC counties are still seeking expert-level clinicians, including general psychiatrists and psychologists, to add to their teams. In fact, 43 of the 46 counties in the state are designated as “shortage areas” for mental health professionals.
Forward-facing solutions, including telehealth initiatives and unique partnerships between primary care providers and behavioral healthcare managers, are slowly turning the tide, making mental healthcare more affordable and accessible for all.
43 out of 46
South Carolina counties designated as shortage areas for mental health professionals
More than 25%
Counties that are seeking expert-level clinicians
49th
South Carolina ranks #49 in access to mental health care
Free Mental Health Resources in South Carolina
The National Alliance on Mental Illness in South Carolina is an organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals and their families impacted by mental illness. It offers support groups across the state, training for peer-to-peer group facilitation, and a helpline to answer questions.
Vantage Point Foundation’s Veterans Pushing Forward program helps vets and their spouses bridge the gap between military service and civilian life. Their courses are free of charge and include veterans leadership and spouse/partner courses as well as general support including employment assistance, clinical coordination, and case management.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
Disability
Depression
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
Lowcountry LGBTQ+ Pride Group works to promote the visibility of the LBGTQ+ community. They offer weekly support groups, social events, yearly Pride Festivals and other special events. As well, they help individuals to access other support resources such as People Living with HIV or the National Center for Transgender Equality.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Disability
The Harriet Hancock Center Foundation is an organization that provides programs supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community. Their onsite programming is peer led and creates a place for people to be their authentic selves. They host social events and provide educational opportunities such as Queer Prom and Youth OUTLOUD.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Seniors
Disability
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health offers a broad range of mental health services for adults, children and families across the state. Services include inpatient and outpatient services, assessments, case management, counseling and other psychiatric treatments. Individuals will not be turned away for inability to pay.
SCDMH Deaf Services is the nation’s leader in providing mental health services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and their loved ones. Their mental health professionals are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and Signed English and provide specialized mental health services.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Disability
The Anderson-Oconee-Pickens South Carolina Mental Health Center provides outpatient mental health consultation for adults, children and families impacted by mental illness and emotional disorders. They work with their clients to develop individualized treatment plans that include individual, group and family therapy and community focused counseling, training and education.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
Veterans
Disability
The Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center offers a broad variety of mental health services for children, adolescents, adults and families in Charleston and Dorchester counties. This includes emergency and stabilization services, outpatient therapy, medication clinics, case management and school based services.
Emory Healthcare Veterans Program provides a two-week IOP program for vets who are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), anxiety and depression. There is no cost for eligible post 9/11 vets and service members living anywhere in the U.S.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
Disability
Depression
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
Hope Connects You offers help to parents of children with mental or behavioral health issues. Parents complete an online questionnaire which is reviewed by mental health professionals, based on the results they will offer guidance, support and information on how to access services in their area.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
South Carolina Equality is an organization that serves to advance civil rights and social justice for members of the LGBTQ+ community. They offer a variety of programs including transAction, GSA Network, Faith in Equality, Voter Mobilization, Litigation Task Force and Disarm Hate.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Seniors
Disability
The Medical University of South Carolina has an online source where individuals can search for services in their country. These include domestic violence services, emergency housing, food banks, free medical clinics, support groups, medication assistance, mental health and substance abuse services and social service agencies.
Provide Services for
Women
The Columbia Area Mental Health Center is an outpatient facility of the South Carolina Department of Mental Health and serves residents of Richland and Fairfield counties. Their clinic based outpatient services include individual, group and family therapy, psychiatric medical assessments and nursing services. For children, they offer school based services.
Access Health, an affiliate of the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, screens every patient for behavioral health needs. When indicated they will refer individuals to private counselors or partners at Spartanburg Area Mental Health, The Forrester Center for Behavioral Health and Emerge Family Therapy to get the behavioral healthcare they need.
Lexington County Community Mental Health Center offers South Carolina residents outpatient mental healthcare that promotes recovery. As well they have emergency services where individuals can walk in during business hours or call and speak with on call crisis counselors.