Behavioral Health

The plan evaluates the layers of the behavioral health continuum — from outpatient and community-based preventative services to acute care inpatient needs — and provides recommendations for building an improved system of care.

EmPATH units are not considered crisis stabilization units but, instead, they serve as an extension of the hospital ED where patients are first medically stable then discharged from the ED and admitted to EmPATH for treatment.

The program provides safe, secure, and restraint-free transport in an unmarked vehicle, avoiding the stigma and trauma of being placed in the back of a police vehicle in handcuffs, while assisting overburdened law enforcement agencies, by reducing the number of calls to provide often time-consuming patient transports.

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), such as buprenorphine, have been identified as the gold standard for evidence-based treatment due to their ability to temper the withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult for people with OUD to stop using opioids, and to help protect against overdose.  

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SC DMH) supports state residents by providing mental health care and many resources, including telepsychiatry, community mental health centers, and crisis stabilization (including statewide mobile crisis services).

This state governmental agency is responsible for making sure South Carolinians have access to quality services related to substance use and addictions.

A confidential clinician-to-clinician Provider Warmline for substance use disorders (SUD) that is available from 9 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

The model uses coordination and data sharing to maintain youth mental health as they move across school, community, and health care settings.

The life-saving medication is available for hospital EDs at discharge and at no cost to patients or caregivers who are at-risk for overdose outside of the hospital.

South Carolina law envisions three distinct pathways to evaluation and hospitalization for individuals who may be mentally ill.

The Behavioral Health Technician plays an important role in any health care setting by helping patients stabilize, get treatment, and prepare for discharge. 

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources, along with best practices for professionals in the United States.  

NAMI SC’s Help Line (1-800-788-5131) offers information to those who may be in crisis or want to learn more about mental illnesses, educational programs, support groups, and treatment facilities in the state.