The South Carolina Department of Mental Health (DMH) is the leading provider of School Mental Health Services (SMHS) in the state. SMHS embeds certified Master’s level mental health professionals in schools to provide students with mental health assessment, intervention, and treatment services, including individual, group, and family therapy. SMHS are available in approximately 700-800 schools in South Carolina through partnerships between school districts and DMH Community Mental Health Centers across the state.
To find out if SMHS are available on-site at your child’s school, check with your child’s school counseling office. If your district does not have a partnership with its local CMHC to provide mental health services at the school, you can still access services at the CMHC that serves your county. You can find a directory of SCDMH Mental Health Centers and Clinics here: Directory – Mental Health Centers & Clinics.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) launched its school-based mental health services initiative July 1, 2022. The SCDHHS policy changes announced in this bulletin are consistent with the recommendations made by SCDHHS to improve access to school-based mental health services for children across the state.
If you prefer not to use mental health services provided through the SC Department of Mental Health, here are some suggestions on how to find a private mental health provider for your child and/or family:
The Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP) is a program of the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (DMH) that is working to make South Carolina a Zero Suicide state. We do this through training, awareness, and collaboration with other state agencies, nonprofits, communities, and medical and behavioral health care systems.
South Carolinians can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or call 1.800.799.4889 for Lifeline TTY services. You may also Text HOPE4SC to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Individuals in a mental health crisis that does not require medical assistance may also call Mobile Crisis at 1.833.364.2274. ¿Tiene dificultades para lidiar con sus problemas después de un desastre? Hay esperanza! Para la Prevencion de Suicidio Nacional: 1.888.628.9454. Con la ayuda, llega la esperanza.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support 24/7 to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Teen Line provides a nationwide hotline that can be accessed via phone or text. Teens can access personal peer-to-peer support from other teens who have been trained to respond to these calls and supervised by adult mental health professionals.
This website provides resources for suicide prevention, including those that focus on supporting individuals in minority communities. Mental health resources available for underrepresented communities.
NAMI South Carolina provides free mental health support, online support groups, resources, nationally recognized education classes, and advocacy programs through local offices located throughout the state. Among the trainings available is the “Ending the Silence” suicide awareness and prevention presentation for middle and high school students, staff and/or families. NAMI also helps schools to “Go Lime Green,” to promote mental health awareness at school athletic events. Support groups for families of children with mental health challenges are also available.
This website provides resources for suicide prevention, including those that focus on supporting individuals in minority communities. Mental health resources for underrepresented communities (afsp.org)
The national organization works in the areas of advocacy and policy as well as providing technical assistance, supports, and resources for families of children who have emotional, behavioral, mental health, and substance abuse challenges.
Sponsored by the SC Department of Mental Health, is an anonymous support line that connects callers who are struggling with depression and anxiety, addiction, or other mental health challenges with an experienced team of mental health and addiction counselors. Estamos aquí para darle emocional e información sobre recursos disponibles en su comunidad. Llámenos al 1-833-TU-APOYO (1-833-882-7696).
Children's Trust is a statewide organization that provides trainings, programs, and advocacy that are focused on prevention of child abuse and neglect. For example, it provides trainings and facilitates community conversations around Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). It also offers the Strengthening Families program to families of children from ages 6-11 to strengthen families’ resilience and protect against abuse and neglect, and the Triple P Positive Parenting Program. More information and learning opportunities can be found on their website.
A website where South Carolina families with young children can find and determine their eligibility for a variety of public services in the areas of child care and early education, health and safety, special needs and early intervention, food and nutrition, and parenting and family support.
The Mental Health Program Manager collaborates with districts and schools, agencies and organizations, and communities to enhance school-based mental health services. Upon request, this Office also provides trainings on a wide range of mental health-related topics to schools, families, and communities.
This website offers downloadable video and print materials as well as a variety of in person and virtual trainings that can be requested by schools and other organizations to address suicide awareness and prevention.
They provide parent and youth peer support, training, and advocacy for families of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs and/or substance abuse challenges. Their Family Resource Hub includes fact sheets for families on a broad range of behavioral and mental health challenges facing children and youth. The Federation also offers Peer Support Groups for youth and for parents and caregivers raising children and youth experiencing one or more of these challenges.