Mental Health

Crisis Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, contact the state’s 24/7/365 Statewide Crisis Response dispatcher at 1-833-364-2274 or call 911.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7)

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline online chat

988 Video and other Deaf or hard-of-hearing options

BHDD Office of Mental Health’s Office of Emergency Services

What We Do

Community-Based Mental Health Services

DRSC advocates for services to be provided in a person’s community rather than an inpatient facility whenever possible.

Facility-Based Services

DRSC monitors and investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of people with mental health conditions in facilities. DRSC also educates people residing in mental health treatment facilities about their basic rights and how to self-advocate for themselves.

Make A Complaint Against the Office of Mental Health

DRSC can help people who are receiving services from the Office of Mental Health with the Complaint process when people have had their rights violated, have been denied eligibility for mental health services, and when appropriate mental health services have been denied.

Prisons and Jails

DRSC advocates that people with mental health conditions receive appropriate and timely treatment in prisons, jails, and other correctional facilities.

Public Mental Health System in South Carolina

South Carolina has made changes to the structure of some of their state offices. The public mental health system in South Carolina is now called the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) Office of Mental Health.

Patients’ Rights

Some of the rights you have:

• Be treated with respect and dignity.
• Get clear information about your health and treatment options.
• Help make decisions about your care.
• Say yes or no to treatment (in most cases).
• Have your medical information kept private.
• Be safe from abuse, neglect, or harm.
• Contact family, friends, or advocates.
• File a complaint without punishment.

Important: If you have concerns, ask for a patient advocate or contact DRSC for help. You can receive a full list of patients’ rights on the BHDD Office of Mental Health Office of Patient Advocacy website. Sometimes patients do not have the right to refuse treatment. Learn more about the involuntary commitment process in South Carolina.

What Is a Psychiatric Advance Directive?

A psychiatric advance directive (also called a Declaration for Mental Health Treatment) is a legal paper you fill out when you are well. It lets you say how you want to be treated for mental health if you are later too sick to make decisions. It can include things like your medication preferences, treatment settings, and who you want to speak for you if you can’t speak for yourself.

Why It Matters

• It gives you more voice and choice in your care, even if you are in crisis.
• It helps doctors, hospitals, and families know what you want ahead of time.
• It may help shorten a hospital stay or avoid one.

Who Can You Pick to Help You?

You can name a trusted person (an agent) to make sure your directive is used. This could be a family member, close friend, or someone you trust. Your agent can help present your directive to providers and support your preferences during a crisis.

What You Need to Do

• Get the form and fill it out when you’re well and able to decide.
• Have at least two adult witnesses who confirm you were in a clear state of mind when you signed.
• Talk with your doctor or case manager when you fill it out.
• Keep copies with you, make sure your agent has copies and knows where to find them.
• It can help to have your directive in your outpatient record, so staff know your wishes before a crisis happens.
• Review and update the form if your preferences change.

Important Things to Know

• South Carolina treats these directives as valid when properly signed and witnessed.
• A doctor can still order treatment in an emergency if they think it’s needed, but they should consider your directive first.

DRSC Partners with NAMI SC

DRSC currently partners with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI SC) in providing crisis intervention training for law enforcement officers and other first responders. Conducting over 30 training courses across the state last year. Ask your local enforcement office if they have crisis intervention trained officers in case you need them.