“Your first visit will take approximately two hours. The first hour is for all the necessary paperwork that must be completed prior to receiving services. If you have had previous mental health services, with your consent we will contact these providers to obtain a copy of your previous treatment records. We may ask you to fill out a questionaire concerning the symptoms you are having. We will provide you with a copy of our Client Orientation package and ask you to sign that you recieved it.You will also be asked to sign a Consent to Treatment and an authorization for us to share your personal data for the purpose of billing. The second hour will be spent with a clinician who will conduct the intial assessment. At the end of the assessment, you will be given a follow-up appointment with the counselor and if required, an appointment to see the Psychiatrist will be scheduled.

With your participation, a written plan for your treatment that addresses your needs, strengths, abilities and preferences will be prepared by your therapist, counselor, and physician. Development of your plan will begin at the time of your admission and will be reviewed periodically for progress made toward your treatment goals and/or discharge.

The Santee-Wateree Community Mental Health Center will respect all aspects of your treatment as confidential; however, there may be times when information must be shared between members of your treatment team to provide the most effective treatment options available. In addition, there are some limited circumstances that, by law, may require the sharing of specific information. For more information, please visit the BHDD Office of Mental Health Privacy Practices webpage and/or speak to your case manager about the confidentiality of information discussed during your visits.

The Santee-Wateree Community Mental Health Center is committed to the safety of all patients, visitors, and staff. Staff are trained in specific procedures and techniques to prevent and manage a variety of environmental, medical, and behavioral emergencies. While the Center does not utilize seclusion or restraints with behavioral emergencies, reasonable steps including law enforcement intervention will be prudently utilized to ensure the safety and well-being of all persons in our facilities. Our staff will familiarize you to the building, its exits, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, & fire alarm pull stations. If there is ever an emergency while you are in the building, please notify the nearest staff member.