Mental Health Benefits Of The SCDMH

The SCDMH gives a sense of priority to adults, children, and their families affected by serious mental illnesses and major emotional disorders. They are committed to limiting stigma and promoting the philosophy of recovery. DMH is one of the largest hospital and community-based systems of care in South Carolina. In 1694 the Lord proprietors of the Carolinas decreed the mentally ill should be cared for locally at a public expense. In 1751 the colonial government recognized the mental health needs of slaves. In 1762 the fellowship society of Charleston established an infirmary for the mentally ill. The mental health did not receive legislative attention at the state level until the 1800’s. December 20, 1821, the SC State Legislature passed a
This combined medical care and treatment with more community services, mental health education and research. Patients’ rights became an issue in the 1970s. The SCMDH created the position of ombudsman and a system of people to protect the rights and privileges of the patients and to serve as an intermediary between patients and the department to embrace the movement. Dr. William S. Hall During the 150th Dr. William S. Hall made a statement for the anniversary of the S.C. Department of Mental Health, "From a plateau of better understanding and broader knowledge we can look back on early treatment programs with chagrin, but we must remember that, in many cases, such was the extent of knowledge in those times. We honor those men of integrity who first gave us guidance and directions. From them we have accepted the torch of responsibility. I wonder how history will treat us 150 years from now. I hope we will be treated as kindly, with as much compassion, as we view those who preceded us." Since its first hospital in 1828, DMH has served hospitalized about 4 Million South Carolinians in its inpatient and outpatient
Mental Health Counselors who have a master's degree in guidance, counseling, psychology, social work, or the social sciences to perform assessments, provide individual/family/group counseling, collaborate and participate in team meetings. Clinical Counselors who have a bachelor's degree in guidance, counseling, psychology, social work, or the social sciences to perform therapeutic services to individuals/groups to increase client skills and community tenure. Mental Health Specialists who have a high school diploma, or any combination of training and experience working with psychiatric clients to help clients in taking care of basic needs and daily activities of