Every year, approximately 20% of American adults handle living with a mental illness. Depression and anxiety are among the most common, with 53,000 youths in South Carolina dealing with depression. These people are also twice as likely to drop out of school when compared to their peers.
In Columbia, mental health care access may be limited by cost concerns and a lack of providers. The National Alliance on Mental Illness compiles statistics for each state, giving you a look at how difficult it can be to get the help you need when you need it. We’ve cited these below.
While getting started with mental health care can be a challenge, you’re here. That means you’re looking for a solution, and you’ve made the choice to get the help you need.
Columbia Mental Health Snapshot
In South Carolina, 706,000 adults have a diagnosed mental health condition. That’s almost double the population of Columbia. More than a third of adults in the state (37.6%) reported symptoms of anxiety or depression as of February 2021.
Youths are at particularly high risk of being overlooked when it comes to mental health care, with 56.2% failing to receive any type of treatment for their depression. Nearly half of all South Carolinians who didn’t get the mental health care they needed missed out because the cost was too high. As a South Carolina resident, you’re five times more likely to have to use an out-of-network mental health care provider, making getting care much more expensive. That leaves kids dependent on the SC mental health crisis hotline or another mobile crisis number to help in an emergency.
While hotlines perform an invaluable service and can be the front line of suicide prevention, they aren’t a substitute for continuing mental health care. Getting the right care can help you feel better on a daily basis.
National Resources for Mental Health Emergencies
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA operates several helplines that handle calls 24/7. You can reach the national helpline at (800) 662-HELP and get free and confidential help with referrals for treatment and assistance locating providers in your area.
(800) 662-HELP
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
If you or a loved one is in a current mental health crisis, dial 988. This quick and always available number offers emotional support to those in immediate need. It also has resource lists for virtually every area in the country, helping you find treatment in your Columbia neighborhood.
988
Mental Health Hotline
When you need a mobile crisis number in Columbia, Mental Health Hotline is a great option. It has a nationwide network of mental health providers that includes options in Columbia. Get the compassionate ear you need in the moment along with the follow-up help you need for long-term treatment.
(866) 903-3787
Resources in South Carolina
NAMI South Carolina
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a South Carolina chapter that offers information about specific mental health conditions and treatment options. It also helps put you in contact with service providers who can customize your treatment and get you started. Call to get help today.
(833) 364-2274
South Carolina Division of Mental Health
This state-run agency offers various free or low-cost mental health care options for individuals and families who qualify. With targeted case management, every patient is assessed, offered inpatient or outpatient services and provided with support services to help them complete a course of treatment. Call for more information about available services.
(803) 898-8581
Resources in and Around Columbia
Columbia Area Mental Health Center (CAMHC)
The CAMHC serves more than 7,000 patients each year, many of whom struggle with serious mental illness. It’s an outpatient facility and serves every person in need of assistance, regardless of financial ability. If you can’t afford mental health care through your insurance, you can through CAMHC. Call to schedule an appointment.
(803) 898-4800
If you’ve started looking for mental health resources, you’re already on the right path. Call the Mental Health Hotline today to find out more about the local options available for ongoing treatment.