Deaf Services
We are a national leader in the mental health service delivery to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and their families.
The mission of Services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing People within the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) Office of Mental Health is to provide a statewide system of care for the delivery of mental health services which promote recovery and allow enhanced mental functioning for Adults, Children and Families where Deafness presents a significant cultural and/or linguistic barrier.BHDD Office of Mental Health provides the following services:
- Community-based mental health services to deaf and hard of hearing people who reside in each county of South Carolina.
- Appropriate inpatient services to those deaf or hard of hearing people in need of that level of care, regardless of their age or physical condition.
- Appropriate housing services and supports to individuals who, because of their mental health problems are unable to sufficiently meet their own housing needs. Specialized mental health services to deaf children
- Specialized mental health services to deaf children and their families, to enable them to grow and develop into effective and productive adults in society.
- Training and orientation about the impact of deafness to other BHDD Office of Mental Health divisions and to law enforcement personnel through training.
- Consultation and support to other states and mental health agencies regarding the development, funding and implementation of appropriate services to this underserved cultural minority.
- Liaison services between the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) Office of Mental Health and deafness related stakeholder organizations and individuals within South Carolina.
Accessing Deaf Services
- SC Hotline: 803-339-3339
- Nationwide Hotline: 800-647-2066
- Videophone: 803-339-3339
- deafhotline@scdmh.org
- 250 Dewey Avenue, Spartanburg
- Fax: 877-372-3739
We offer services to people of all ages who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, late-deafened, or Deaf Blind. The cultural traditions and beliefs of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities are integrated into our services. Our approach acknowledges the importance of and need for direct communication and provides sensitivity to cultural affiliation and to the psychosocial impact of hearing loss. The counseling staff is fully fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and Signed English. We have full-time staff interpretive services to ensure comprehensive access to our continuum of care.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, our team of clinicians are here to help! Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 803-339-3339 and leave a message and the on-call clinician will call you back. You can also email us at deafhotline@scdmh.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Adults
- Couples and families
- Deaf or Hard of Hearing children
- Hearing children of Deaf/Hard of Hearing parents
- Hearing parents of Deaf/Hard of Hearing children
Yes, we accept most South Carolina insurance, including Medicaid, Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and most others. When possible, we will check your insurance first to make sure you are working with a professional who your insurance will allow.
You may also apply for balance-owed reduction.
The Deaf Services team values your privacy and follows federal and state rules about confidentiality.
The Deaf services team will make sure that all language access needs are met. Interpreters are available for all appointments with non-signing staff at BHDD Office of Mental Health.
The Deaf services team serves clients across the state. We will come to the Mental Health center closest to where you live. Virtual services are also offered, when appropriate.
If you feel like you need to meet with a clinician, please contact us at 803-339-3339 or deafservices@scdmh.org. A clinician will contact you to setup up an intake appointment, do an assessment to determine your needs, and begin services.
Note: Our American Sign Language interpreting services are accessible for all Deaf and hard of hearing patients, children of Deaf adults, and family members who don’t sign. We make it accessible to all of BHDD Office of Mental Health by providing sign language interpreters who communicate in ASL in group therapy, family therapy, inpatient services, outpatient services, etc. To make an interpreter request, please call the hotline number
803-339-3339 to make interpreter requests.
Deaf Services for all Ages
Our Deaf services team is made up of a group of Deaf and hearing professionals who are fluent in American Sign Language and are knowledgeable about the challenges related to Deafness and hearing loss. Their goals include:
- Providing culturally and linguistically competent treatment and support services
- Enhancing the quality of a person’s life by facilitating mental health wellness and empowerment
- Promoting independence by providing case management and community-based services to those who qualify
- Providing links to additional information and resources wherever possible
BHDD Office of Mental Health 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.
Connect With Us
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.
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