Well over half (55.5%) of South Carolinian adults do not receive any treatment for their mental health issues. Out of the 4.8 million residents, nearly 4.5% of adults suffer from a serious mental illness. Mental Health America currently ranks South Carolina 37th out of 51 states (including DC) for access to mental healthcare. While not in the bottom ten, SC is indeed in the bottom quadrant.
Fortunately, there’s help. No shortage of providers (or shortage of funds) should ever prevent you from getting the help you deserve. The following resources are free of charge, confidential, and available to all South Carolina residents. Help yourself or someone you love today.
The National Mental Health Hotline
If you need to connect with a mental health specialist, call 1-866-903-3787 right now. A trained professional will take your call and assist you however she or he can. A world of resources is waiting for you. The hotline is available to all US residents and operates on a 24/7 basis.
South Carolina DMH
The state Department of Mental Health offers a public information hotline that connects you to a plethora of local resources. Call 803-898-8581 today for more information. Also, check out their website for many other options.
NAMI Helpline & More
The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides a wealth of resources, including the NAMI Helpline, which can be reached by calling 1-800-950-6264 or by emailing info@nami.org. Although the helpline is only available Monday through Friday from 10 AM until 8 PM EST, there is a 24/7 text line available. Simply text ‘NAMI’ to 741-741 for assistance.