School Mental Health Services
We provide school mental health services in schools across South Carolina.
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) Office of Mental Health is the leading School Mental Health Services (SMHS) provider across South Carolina. SMHS provide school children diagnostic services, intervention services, and a range of treatments including individual, group, and family therapy. We serve approximately 700 to 800 schools across South Carolina each year.
Masters-level Mental Health Professionals (MHPs), specializing in the provision of school-based mental health care, provide SMHS year-round utilizing Evidence-Based Practices. MHPs assist students, families and schools in developing comprehensive behavioral healthcare plans to address needs that may interfere with student educational success and overall wellbeing. MHP’s promote whole-school wellness and support school leadership as they navigate the intersection of social, emotional, and academic outcomes of students. SMHS provide non-stigmatizing and easily accessible services to children and their families in the school setting.
Services
We offer a variety of therapy groups to provide ongoing support and treatment for your child.
Therapists work closely with the family to ensure all aspects of the child’s needs are addressed and supported.
Therapists are trained to respond to crisis situations in real time, and they are able to access the mobile crisis team if additional support is needed.
Services continue during the summer months. Children and families are encouraged to participate to maintain and build on progress made during the school year.
Accessing Our Services
- Ask your child’s principal, guidance counselor, or teacher to submit a mental health referral form, or ask to speak to the therapist directly to inquire about services.
- A school mental health therapist in your area will contact you.
- An initial intake appointment will be scheduled.
- The initial intake process may also be completed at our clinic if more convenient.
- A therapist will assess the child’s appropriateness for services and determine a plan of action.
What families are saying…
“The experience I’ve had with the school counseling is amazing. I adore the counselors and I thank them with all my heart.”
– Stephanie T. (Parent)
“The counseling services have allowed us to communicate with one another, to work through healing, to better understand each other. I would urge each parent to contact their local school system or reach out to their local county community health clinic. They’re all phenomenal people.”
– Shannon H. (Parent)
DMH is a healthcare organization committed to providing quality mental health services to residents of South Carolina. We have a talented team of psychiatrists, mental health counselors, nurses, case managers, administrative and support staff who are passionate about helping people.
1-833-364-2274
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis,
contact the SCDMH Mobile Crisis Team, statewide, toll-free, 24/7.
mobile crisis
Connect With Us
Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Helpful Links
Do you have a complaint regarding services being provided to a child by a state agency? Please submit your complaint to the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy by phone (1-800-206-1957) or via the electronic submission form.
Notices
Language assistance services are available to you free of charge by calling 1-805-360-3326. Please enter Pin #: 81767494 and be prepared to state your language.
Los servicios de asistencia lingüística están disponibles sin cargo llamando al 1-805-360-3326. Por favor, ingrese su número de pin 81767494 y prepárese para decir su idioma.