Coastal Empire Mental Health

"My fifteen-year-old son was receiving services there, and his counselor suggested that he might benefit from medication. Just to cut down the jitters and anxiety of being in school and sitting in big settings. Of course, in order to do that we had to see one of the Doctors. We're at the appointment, right? When the Doctor called my son back, her first response to me was, "And, who are you?" I was taken aback because I kind of felt like that was rude as hell. Based off of that I already knew where this appointment was headed...we goes in her office for some reason I already felt we was being secretly recorded by her webcam, I don't know, that's just how I felt. I also felt as though majority of the questions she was asking was irrelevant. At the end of all the questioning, she decides that my son doesn't need any medication. She goes on to say, his anxiousness was due to being stressed with dealing with school, peers and so on and so forth. So, I'm thinking to myself like: "Duhh, that's the reason way we are here." But, okay However, I'm not even surprised by that decision. And, I understand that some people may grow weary of discussions centered around race. But, race very much plays a big part in healthcare and mental health. Whenever Black people attend appointments for healthcare, we are often not taken seriously. Medical professionals may refuse to prescribe necessary medications, assuming we seek them solely for recreational use and that we have such thick skin and less sensitive that it's impossible for use to feel any pain. Additionally, we face barriers in accessing SSI benefits, as there's a misconception that we merely desire to live off assistance. But, we are really out here struggling with our mental health and trying to make ends meet through the process. Now, I need to find additional support services for my son, including drug rehabilitation. I recently discovered that, at the age of 16, he's been using marijuana, apparently "it helps him to cope with his anxiety and intrusive thoughts." (shaking my head).Feeling frustrated to say the least."

"Horrible experience. The statement “you get what you pay for” has never been more true in this instance for this clinic run by the State. You might need another round of therapy after having to put up with these people."

"Do not go here they will rob you blind. I have sign documentation that SC Victims relief fund is supposed to cover the cost of my counseling. 4 years later they are still stealing my tax refund and refuse to call me back. The few times I have got them on the phone they say they'll investigate and call me back, but shocker they never do. They are masters at double dipping their counselor could not even help me in my trauma. I urge you to seek help out from true professionals"