By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC
National Suicide Prevention Week reminds us that suicide is not inevitable—it is preventable. The theme of this week is connection: connecting people to resources, providers, and hope. In South Carolina, telehealth is making that connection stronger than ever.
Why Access Matters During a Crisis
In many parts of South Carolina, especially rural communities, access to mental health care can be limited. Long drives, provider shortages, or stigma can create dangerous delays when someone is in crisis. Suicide Prevention Week highlights the importance of removing those barriers—and telehealth does just that by bringing care directly to people wherever they are.
Telepsychiatry: A Lifeline in Emergency Situations
South Carolina’s Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities leads one of the nation’s most recognized telepsychiatry programs, delivering thousands of psychiatric consultations each month. Through Emergency Department Telepsychiatry, patients in crisis can receive immediate assessments via secure video—reducing wait times, avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations, and ensuring timely care that can save lives.
Other statewide telepsychiatry programs provide care in community clinics, inpatient hospitals, and even specialized services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing. Since launching, South Carolina has delivered more than 100,000 telepsychiatry services—each one a chance to stabilize a crisis and prevent a tragedy.
Online Screening Tools for Adults and Youth
As part of Suicide Prevention Week, it’s important to highlight resources available right now for South Carolinians. The BHDD Office of Mental Health offers two free, anonymous, online mental health screeners:
- Adult Mental Health Screener – for individuals 18+ to take a self-check questionnaire and connect with a professional counselor for guidance, support, and referral to mental health or substance use services.
- Kids’ Mental Health Screener – for parents and guardians to complete on behalf of children, with a caring professional offering support and resources for behavioral health services.
Both tools provide a private, easy way to take the first step toward help and healing.
This Week, and Every Week
National Suicide Prevention Week is about awareness—but also about action. In South Carolina, telehealth is more than a tool; it is an active part of saving lives and preventing suicide.
If you or someone you know is struggling:
- Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- Learn more about South Carolina’s Telepsychiatry Programs at scdmh.org/telepsychiatry.
This week, let’s spread the message: with telehealth, hope is closer than ever.
