How We Treat

Individual Therapy

There are many problems that can be addressed in individual therapy. The goal is to help you:

• Learn effective ways to cope without engaging in unhealthy behavior patterns (drug or alcohol misuse, gambling, aggressive behaviors, etc.)
• Cope with life stressors and loss (divorce, changing home locations, loss of a loved one, etc.)
• Manage feelings of isolation and loneliness
• Gain the comfort, support, and undivided attention of a compassionate, licensed professional

Individual therapy is scheduled, one-on-one counseling sessions with a client and their mental health therapist. The goal of mental health therapy is to assist clients in improving their emotional and behavioral functioning. This allows clients to experience improved quality of life.

Therapy is beneficial for developing new skills, strategies, and behaviors. Therapy gives clients space and time to learn how to identify self-defeating behaviors and cognitions (thoughts) that are not aiding them anymore. With the help of their therapist, clients learn healthier alternatives to better cope with the many life stressors they may be facing.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is counseling sessions that occur with both the client and their family member(s) present. Family therapy is a safe space for the client and family member(s) to explore their roles, rules, and structure within the family unit, and learn effective ways to support and encourage each other. 

The therapist leading the family therapy sessions can aid the client and their family in better understanding the effects of substance use, as well as positive ways to cope and communicate. Together, the therapist and family can brainstorm ways to walk with their loved one toward recovery. 

Problems that can be addressed in family therapy include: 

• Communication difficulties or conflict between children and other family members 
• Life stressors and problems that impact the entire family unit, such as: 
  • Family member living with alcohol or drug use
  • Family member living with mental health issues
  • Marital issues/divorce
  • Financial issues
  • Change of home locations

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

In the intensive outpatient program (IOP), the client receives nine or more hours of counseling each week, mostly conducted in a group setting.  

The IOP group process allows clients the opportunity to offer each other support, share common experiences, and identify strategies that have been successful for them. This allows clients to challenge each other’s behaviors and cognitions (thoughts). 

IOP is designed to manage, reduce, or resolve problematic behavior patterns. With the help of IOP, the client will learn ways to function more independently and competently in their daily life.

The reasons someone might seek IOP instead of individual therapy are because they can: 

• Benefit from the structure, routine, and length of IOP while also being able to enjoy the comforts of home.
• Connect with other people living with substance use disorder(s) in a group therapy setting. 
• Gain knowledge, feedback, resources, and effective coping strategies from the group therapy process.

Psychosocial Rehabilitative Services (Life Skills Training)

The purpose of psychosocial rehabilitative services, or life skills training, is to assist the client in learning new coping strategies to lead a healthier lifestyle. 

The restoration or strengthening of skills aids clients in gaining greater independence and stability in their living, learning, social, and work environments.

Life skills training may include problem-solving skills, interpersonal or social skills, financial management skills, and job-related skills (applying, interviewing, etc.). Life skills training is tailored to each client based on their needs and goals. By learning and applying life skills, the client is more likely to have success in recovery.

Prevention

The purpose of the prevention division at Sumter Behavioral Health Services is to educate the public on the use and effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. We understand that early and frequent discussions about the topic of substance use prevention are an effective way to prevent or reduce the likelihood of addiction. 

Community Prevention

The prevention staff here at Sumter Behavioral Health Services participates in a variety of community activities and exhibits throughout the year. 

Sumter Behavioral Health Services’ prevention staff stays up to date on the topic of substance use prevention. Our staff is able to present to an audience of all ages. 

If you are interested in the Sumter Behavioral Health Services team leading a training on substance use prevention at your school, church health fair, or other location, please give us a call at (803) 778-2835.  Two different phone numbers? Let’s note this or confirm with Sumter Jared More

Evidence-Based Prevention Programs for Schools

Substance use prevention programs continue to become more scientific and evidence-based. At Sumter Behavioral Health Services, we offer a Life Skills curriculum for elementary and middle school children.  

The Life Skills curriculum can be taught at school during the school day or at after-school programs. The Life Skills curriculum consists of 10 to 13 sessions of fun, interactive activities. These activities are designed to encourage young people to think about their futures and how to avoid engaging in risky behaviors that will negatively affect the quality of their lives.

Palmetto Retailers Education Program (PREP)

Palmetto Retailers Education Program (PREP) is a short, informative course on the topic of substance use prevention. The PREP course can aid in reducing underage access to alcohol and tobacco products in our communities while also lowering the liability risks for businesses and their employees.