May Is Mental Health Awareness Month: Mental Health Matters

May is a special month that is recognized worldwide as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when we focus on the importance of mental health and the role it plays in our lives.

One of the goals of Mental Health Awareness Month is to raise awareness about the different types of mental health conditions and the impact they can have on a person's life. Mental health conditions are not uncommon, and they can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or background. Some of the most common mental health conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders.

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34

CareSouth Carolina is home to a nationally recognized Integrated Behavioral Health program, where patients receive quality care by some of the best, most caring professionals in the field of mental health. At least one licensed behavioral health counselor is co-located at each of our medical centers where we provide:

• Mental Health Counseling services to individuals and families
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Problem-Solving Therapy
• Substance use disorder prevention and treatment

Our counselors are master’s prepared and licensed clinical social workers and professional counselors who specialize in providing both immediate and long–term assistance to individuals who may experience depression, PTSD, anxiety, grief, family issues or substance dependency and other psychosocial needs.

CareSouth Carolina’s Behavioral Health Providers work in collaboration with the health care delivery system which includes all offices within CareSouth, long term care facilities, school-based counseling services, Tele-Psychiatry services, and our local Drug and Alcohol treatment facilities (Trinity, Alpha, and Rubicon) for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Behavioral Health Providers develop and provide plans of care and clinical counseling services aimed at improving the patient’s mental and physical health. The BHP assesses psychosocial factors of individuals and families to diagnose and treat complex mental health disorders and addresses any co-morbid alcohol and drug use.  

“We utilize a wide range of evidence-based treatments that focuses on the “whole person”.  We treat the patients’ physical, mental, and social health TOGETHER. Practicing Integrated Behavioral Health Care allows for our medical and behavioral health providers to collaborate care and enhance the health and wellbeing of all our patients.” Amy Cook, Director of Behavioral Health, said.

In addition to counseling, CareSouth Carolina provides testing for ADHD, learning disorders, Autism Spectrum, Asperger’s and other academic functional testing as done by a Ph.D. Psychologist.

It is important to recognize that mental health conditions are real, and that they can be just as debilitating as physical illnesses.

If you are struggling with your mental health, it is important to know that help is available. There are many resources available, including hotlines, support groups, and counseling services. You can also talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about your concerns and explore different treatment options.

To schedule an appointment, please call CareSouth Carolina at 866-498-0399 and a representative would be happy to assist you.