South Carolina Mental Health Statistics

Mental health conditions affect a significant portion of South Carolina's population, spanning all age groups and demographics. Data shows that nearly one in five adults has experienced a diagnosable mental illness, with mood and anxiety disorders being the most common^[7][3]. Understanding these prevalence rates is the first step in addressing the scale of the challenge and allocating resources effectively to support the well-being of the state's residents.

One of the most significant obstacles to mental wellness in South Carolina is the critical shortage of mental health professionals. The state has been designated a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), with a score of 16, indicating a severe lack of providers to meet population needs^[2]. This shortage translates into longer wait times, greater travel distances for care, and a higher number of individuals with unmet needs, particularly in rural communities.

The provider shortage extends across various specialties, from psychiatrists to social workers. With only 12 psychiatrists per 100,000 adults, South Carolina falls below the national average of 15^[9][2]. This scarcity contributes to an average wait time of four weeks for an initial appointment, a delay that can be critical for individuals in acute distress^[9]. Consequently, the state ranks just 25th out of 51 in overall access to care^[7].

Mental health challenges and access to care are not experienced equally across all communities in South Carolina. Significant disparities exist based on race, ethnicity, and geography. For instance, Black individuals are disproportionately represented in involuntary psychiatric holds, constituting 40% of cases despite making up only 25% of the regional population^[10]. Furthermore, prevalence rates for major depressive disorder vary considerably among different racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the need for culturally competent care.

Geography plays a crucial role in determining access to mental healthcare in South Carolina. The state's rural counties, which account for nearly 40% of its geography, face the most severe shortages, with at least 10 rural counties having no mental health providers at all as of 2025^[5][3]. This disparity leads to higher rates of serious mental illness and suicide in rural areas compared to their urban counterparts.

South Carolina's youth are facing a significant mental health crisis, with data showing alarming increases in conditions like anxiety and depression. Reports indicate that children in the state fare among the worst nationally for mental health outcomes, with approximately one in four exhibiting significant challenges^[3]. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these trends, nearly doubling the rate of anxiety and depression among adolescents.

On college campuses, while challenges remain, there are signs of improvement. Following pandemic-era peaks, rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among South Carolina college students have begun to decline^[11]. Universities have responded by increasing resources, leading to better counselor-to-student ratios and a significant rise in the use of telehealth for mental health services^[2].

Suicide remains a pressing public health issue in South Carolina. The state's suicide rate has increased by 43.9% over the past two decades, a trend that significantly outpaces the national increase^[12]. In response, the state has expanded its crisis response system, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which has seen a dramatic rise in call volumes.

The impact of mental illness in South Carolina extends far beyond individual health, imposing a staggering economic burden on the state. This includes direct costs for healthcare and treatment as well as indirect costs from lost productivity, disability claims, and strain on social services. Untreated mental illness alone adds an estimated $2.7 billion to the state's financial burden through increased emergency department visits and hospitalizations^[6]. These figures underscore the economic imperative of investing in accessible and effective mental healthcare.

South Carolina's mental health treatment system relies on a network of state-run and private psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, and crisis stabilization units. The state has a total of 3,705 psychiatric hospital beds, with 1,608 in state facilities and 2,097 in private institutions^[13]. Despite this capacity, challenges remain in ensuring continuity of care, as reflected in hospital readmission rates and the average length of stay for patients.

With nearly 400,000 veterans residing in the state, addressing their unique mental health needs is a priority^[16]. Veterans in South Carolina experience high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly those with deployment histories. Accessing care through the VA system can be challenging, with appointment wait times often averaging around 30 days^[17]. These factors contribute to a tragically high suicide rate among the state's veteran population.