Therapy in South Carolina: Costs, Licensing & How to Find Help
A guide to therapy in South Carolina — costs, licensing requirements, telehealth rules, insurance coverage, and how to find a therapist.
$140
Avg. session cost
#38
MH ranking (of 51)
170
Providers per 100K
10.8%
Uninsured rate
Therapist Licensing Requirements
Overseen by the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Psycho-Educational Specialists.
| Credential | Title | Supervised Hours | Required Exams |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPC | Licensed Professional Counselor | 3,000 | NCE |
| LISW-CP | Licensed Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice | 3,000 | ASWB Clinical |
| LMFT | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | 3,000 | MFT National Exam |
| Licensed Psychologist | Licensed Psychologist | 4,000 | EPPP |
Therapy Costs in South Carolina
The average therapy session in South Carolina costs $140 — $35 below the national average of $175. Online therapy is typically 15% less.
| Metro Area | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $150 | $115–$195 |
| Columbia | $138 | $105–$175 |
| Greenville | $135 | $100–$170 |
Telehealth Rules in South Carolina
PSYPACT Member (since 2021)
PSYPACT member state. Out-of-state psychologists may practice via APIT. Other therapists must hold a South Carolina license.
Audio-only therapy: Allowed
Medicaid telemental health: Covered
Consent: Informed consent required; documentation must include acknowledgment of the telehealth modality.
Insurance & Parity in South Carolina
Parity enforcement: weak
Medicaid expanded: No (24 session annual cap)
Typical in-network copay: $25–$50
Major insurers: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Molina, Ambetter, UnitedHealthcare
Crisis Resources in South Carolina
South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH)
Crisis Lines
Notable Programs
- SCDMH operates 17 community mental health centers serving all 46 counties with comprehensive behavioral health services.
- South Carolina's School-Based Mental Health Services program embeds therapists in over 900 schools statewide.
- The SCDMH Telepsychiatry Program is one of the largest state-operated telepsychiatry networks in the country.
Therapy Landscape in South Carolina
South Carolina's mental health system has been working to address long-standing gaps in access and funding. The state's Department of Mental Health operates 17 community mental health centers, which form the backbone of public behavioral health services across all 46 counties. Private therapy is concentrated in the Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville metro areas. Therapy costs are relatively affordable, typically ranging from $80 to $160 per session, reflecting the state's lower cost of living.
The South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Psycho-Educational Specialists licenses LPCs and LMFTs, while LCSWs are licensed through the Board of Social Work Examiners. South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, limiting coverage for many low-income adults. The state has been growing its telehealth infrastructure, which has become essential for reaching rural and underserved communities.
Finding a Therapist in South Carolina
Check your insurance network as a first step. Major carriers include BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Molina Healthcare, and UnitedHealthcare. If you qualify for South Carolina Medicaid, behavioral health services are covered, though provider networks may be limited.
Think about what kind of help you need. CBT is the most commonly available evidence-based approach for anxiety and depression. South Carolina's military presence — including Fort Jackson, Joint Base Charleston, and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort — means many therapists specialize in PTSD and veteran issues, using approaches like EMDR and CPT.
Barriers to Care
South Carolina faces some of the most significant mental health access challenges in the Southeast. The state has not expanded Medicaid, leaving many low-income adults without affordable coverage. Rural areas — including much of the Pee Dee region, the Lowcountry, and the Upstate border counties — have severe provider shortages.
Stigma is a meaningful barrier in South Carolina, where cultural norms in many communities discourage seeking professional help for emotional problems. The state also has limited provider diversity, making it difficult for Black residents (who constitute about 27% of the population) to find therapists who share their background. Efforts to recruit and retain diverse mental health professionals are underway but progress is slow.
Therapy in South Carolina typically costs between $80 and $160 per session. Charleston and Greenville tend to be slightly higher. Community mental health centers offer sliding-scale fees based on income, and some provide services at no cost for those who qualify.
Yes, for those who qualify. South Carolina Medicaid covers outpatient mental health services. However, the state has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so eligibility is limited primarily to children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. Many working-age adults do not qualify.
Yes. South Carolina allows licensed therapists to provide telehealth services, and major insurers cover virtual sessions. The state has expanded telehealth access in recent years, which is especially important for residents in rural areas with few local providers.
South Carolina's multiple military installations support several veteran and military family therapy programs. TRICARE covers mental health services, and Military OneSource offers free confidential counseling. Many private therapists near bases specialize in military-related issues.
Use the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation online verification system. Search by name or license number to confirm a provider's active license and check for any disciplinary actions.
Licensing and Credentials in South Carolina
South Carolina licenses Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) through the Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Psycho-Educational Specialists. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are overseen by the Board of Social Work Examiners. Licensed Psychologists hold doctoral degrees.
Pre-licensed professionals include Licensed Professional Counselor Interns working under supervision. South Carolina's 17 community mental health centers employ a variety of credential types. Verify any provider through the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
Teletherapy Laws in South Carolina
South Carolina allows licensed therapists to provide telehealth services, and major insurers cover virtual sessions. Both video and audio-only therapy are available. The state has expanded telehealth access in recent years, which is important for residents in rural areas with few local providers.
South Carolina participates in PSYPACT, allowing psychologists from other member states to treat residents via telehealth. For counselors and social workers, providers must hold a South Carolina license. Medicaid also covers telehealth behavioral health.
Medicaid and Insurance Coverage in South Carolina
South Carolina Medicaid covers outpatient mental health services for eligible populations. However, the state has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so eligibility is limited primarily to children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. Many working-age adults do not qualify.
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Molina Healthcare, and UnitedHealthcare are the major private insurers. Mental health parity laws apply to commercial plans. For more on affording therapy, see our how to pay for therapy guide.
Cost of Therapy in South Carolina
Therapy costs in South Carolina are affordable. Out-of-pocket sessions typically range from $80 to $160, with Charleston and Greenville slightly higher. Insurance copays are generally $15 to $40.
Community mental health centers offer sliding-scale fees, and some provide services at no cost. University training clinics at the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina offer reduced-rate therapy. For a nationwide comparison, see our therapy cost by state guide.
Crisis Resources in South Carolina
If you or someone you know needs help:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 for 24/7 support
- SC Department of Mental Health Crisis Line — Contact your local community mental health center for 24/7 crisis services
- National Alliance on Mental Illness SC — 803-733-9592
- Military OneSource — 1-800-342-9647 (for military families near SC bases)
South Carolina's 17 community mental health centers provide crisis intervention across all 46 counties.
How to Get Started with Therapy in South Carolina
Here is how to begin:
- Check your insurance — BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina maintains a provider directory. If you have SC Medicaid, behavioral health is covered for eligible populations.
- Contact your local community mental health center — South Carolina's Department of Mental Health operates 17 centers that provide services regardless of ability to pay.
- Search directories — Psychology Today, Therapy for Black Girls, and the Inclusive Therapists directory are useful tools.
- Use telehealth — Virtual sessions expand options, especially in the Pee Dee, Lowcountry, and Upstate border areas. PSYPACT membership allows access to out-of-state psychologists.
- Explore military resources — If you are a military family near one of SC's installations, TRICARE and Military OneSource provide covered behavioral health services.
For more guidance, read our how to find a therapist guide or our therapy for beginners guide.
South Carolina's affordable therapy rates and community mental health network provide a foundation for care, but the lack of Medicaid expansion and rural shortages are real obstacles. Telehealth and state-run centers are the most important resources for residents who face access challenges.