South Carolina’s behavioral health system is in crisis. Under South Carolina statute (§44-9-90) the state is responsible for providing a statewide system for delivering mental health services. However, state budget cuts have led to reductions in the number of psychiatric beds in state-run mental health facilities.

Community-based services are inadequate and delivery of services is disjointed. Many behavioral health patients in South Carolina have no place to go for the level of care they need and often present themselves at hospital emergency rooms that are ill prepared to handle their special needs. Patients then remain in ERs for days waiting for a “psych bed” to become available. Many go without proper care.

The Legislature also created a 10-member legislative study committee to examine the delivery of behavioral health care services in South Carolina. The committee’s findings and recommendations are due to the General Assembly by February 15, 2010. SCHA will work with this study committee and other interested parties to identify problems and possible solutions to the problems related to the behavioral health system.

• Behavioral Health in South Carolina (pdf)