CONDITIONS, LEVELS OF CARE & SERVICES
Conditions
These descriptions are intended to help individuals recognize common emotional, relational, and spiritual experiences. Each condition includes what it may feel like, how it may show up, who typically helps, and when support is recommended.
Strong emotions may feel difficult to manage and can lead to conflict or impulsive reactions. These patterns can create shame or strain relationships. DBT‑trained therapists, counselors, and faith‑informed leaders can help with emotional regulation. Support is helpful when emotions feel unpredictable or hard to control.
Feeling anxious or overwhelmed can make it hard to rest, focus, or feel at ease. Some people notice racing thoughts, physical tension, or sudden waves of fear. Anxiety can be supported by volunteers, faith‑informed leaders, counselors, or therapists depending on severity. Support is helpful when worry begins to interfere with sleep, relationships, or daily functioning.
Caring for a child, spouse, or aging parent can be meaningful and exhausting. It may lead to burnout or emotional fatigue. Support groups, mentors, and counselors can help caregivers feel resourced. Help is recommended when caregiving impacts health or well‑being.
Depression may feel like sadness, heaviness, or loss of interest in things that once brought joy. It can show up as fatigue, irritability, or withdrawal. Volunteers, faith‑informed leaders, and licensed therapists all play a role in support. Help is recommended when these feelings persist or disrupt daily life.
Grief may bring sadness, numbness, anger, or confusion after losing someone or something meaningful. It can affect sleep, concentration, or daily rhythms. Volunteers, support groups, faith‑informed leaders, and grief‑trained counselors all offer meaningful support. Help is recommended when grief feels isolating or too heavy to carry alone.
Questions about identity or value can create internal pressure or self‑criticism. These struggles may show up as overworking, people‑pleasing, or feeling “never enough.” Faith‑informed guidance, IFS‑trained therapists, and supportive volunteers can help. Support is recommended when these patterns feel exhausting or deeply rooted.
Major changes such as job loss, divorce, retirement, or caregiving can bring emotional strain. These transitions may affect confidence or daily rhythms. Volunteers, faith‑informed leaders, and counselors can all support someone navigating change. Support is helpful when a transition feels destabilizing or overwhelming.
Intrusive thoughts or repetitive behaviors can feel confusing or distressing. These patterns may disrupt routines or create internal pressure. Therapists trained in CBT, ERP, or IFS often support these concerns. Care is recommended when thoughts or behaviors feel disruptive or overwhelming.
Parenting can bring exhaustion, confusion, or uncertainty about how to respond to a child’s needs. These challenges may show up as conflict, overwhelm, or difficulty managing routines. Parenting classes, mentors, and family therapists can all help. Support is recommended when parenting feels isolating or consistently overwhelming.
After childbirth, emotional shifts may include sadness, overwhelm, irritability, or difficulty bonding. These experiences range from mild to more significant. Postpartum concerns are best supported by medical providers, therapists, and faith‑informed leaders. Help is important when emotions feel intense, persistent, or frightening.
Relationship challenges may show up as conflict, emotional distance, or communication difficulties. These struggles can impact family life and well‑being. Faith‑informed leaders, relationship mentors, and EFT‑trained therapists often help couples navigate these concerns. Support is helpful when patterns feel stuck or connection feels difficult.
Stress can make it hard to rest, think clearly, or stay grounded. It may show up as irritability, fatigue, or difficulty keeping up with responsibilities. Volunteers, faith‑informed leaders, and counselors can help someone navigate seasons of overwhelm. Support is recommended when stress affects health, relationships, or functioning.
Substance use may become a way of coping with stress or emotional pain. It can affect relationships, work, or health. Counselors trained in addiction and MI‑based approaches, along with support groups, often provide care. Help is recommended when use feels hard to control or begins creating consequences.
Trauma can leave someone feeling on edge, easily startled, or overwhelmed by memories. It may affect sleep, relationships, or a sense of safety. Trauma is best supported by trained counselors or trauma‑informed therapists, with relational and spiritual support alongside. Help is important when past experiences continue to shape present life.
LEVELS OF CARE
These levels of care are descriptive of what may be available across the Midlands. CareCola does not assess needs, determine fit, or assign care. Individuals determine the level of support that best fits their situation.
Community‑based supportive care offers relational, spiritual, and presence‑based support from trained volunteers. This type of care focuses on listening, encouragement, prayer, and companionship in a safe, compassionate environment. It is especially helpful for mild to moderate emotional or spiritual concerns, life transitions, grief, stress, or relational strain. Because volunteer teams vary in size, availability may be limited and support may be time‑limited. Individuals and churches decide when this level of care is the right fit.
Faith‑informed guidance provides spiritual direction, encouragement, and support for questions of faith, identity, and purpose. Leaders help individuals or couples explore meaning, navigate decisions, and integrate their beliefs into their healing process. This level of care is especially helpful for those who want to connect their emotional or relational experiences with their spiritual life. It may be used on its own or alongside counseling when deeper emotional work is needed. Individuals and churches determine whether this type of support aligns with their goals.
Supportive groups and classes offer community, shared experience, and practical tools for growth. Participants learn, process, and receive encouragement alongside others who share similar challenges or goals. These groups may be led by trained volunteers, ministry leaders, or licensed professionals depending on the topic. They are especially helpful for people who benefit from structured learning or ongoing encouragement in a group setting. Individuals and churches choose whether group‑based support is the right next step.
Licensed counselors and therapists provide structured, evidence‑based support for emotional, relational, or behavioral concerns. This level of care is appropriate when someone is experiencing persistent distress, trauma, anxiety, depression, or relational patterns that feel stuck. Therapists may use approaches such as CBT, DBT, EFT, EMDR, IFS, or MI depending on the person’s needs and goals. Counseling may be short‑term or long‑term and can be combined with other forms of support. Individuals and churches decide when professional counseling is the most appropriate option.
Some situations require more intensive or specialized support beyond traditional counseling. This may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, trauma‑focused therapy, addiction treatment, or coordinated care programs such as ACT. These services are provided by licensed clinicians with advanced training in complex or persistent mental health needs. Specialized care is recommended when symptoms significantly impact daily functioning, safety, or stability. Individuals and churches determine when this level of care is necessary.
Crisis and safety support is needed when someone is at risk of harm to themselves or others or is experiencing a mental health emergency. This level of care may involve emergency services, crisis hotlines, medical evaluation, or short‑term stabilization. Immediate intervention helps ensure safety and provides access to urgent resources. Once stability is restored, individuals can explore ongoing support through other levels of care. Individuals and churches are responsible for seeking crisis support when needed.
Services
Community or Church-Based Services
Educational classes help people learn skills, gain insight, or grow in specific areas such as parenting, communication, or emotional health. They offer structured teaching rather than counseling or processing. These classes are usually led by ministry staff, trained volunteers, or professionals with expertise in the topic. They are best utilized when someone wants practical tools and knowledge in a group setting.
A trained lay caregiver offers emotional and spiritual support through listening, prayer, and presence. This support is especially helpful when someone needs encouragement, companionship, or a safe place to talk. Caregiving support is provided by trained volunteers within the church, such as Stephen Ministry. It’s best utilized for mild to moderate emotional or spiritual concerns that don’t require clinical intervention.
Mentoring offers relational support from a caring, experienced adult who provides encouragement, accountability, and practical guidance. It’s especially helpful for youth, young adults, or adults navigating transitions or seeking personal growth. Mentors are typically trained volunteers or ministry leaders. Mentoring is best utilized when someone needs steady relational support rather than clinical care.
A pastor helps individuals or couples explore spiritual questions, discern next steps, and find biblical encouragement during difficult seasons. This is especially helpful when someone is wrestling with faith, purpose, or major life decisions. Pastoral guidance is offered by ordained pastors or ministry staff. It’s best utilized when someone desires spiritual direction or wants to integrate faith into their healing process.
Support groups provide a safe place to connect with others who share similar experiences. Participants learn, process, and grow together with the guidance of a trained facilitator. These groups are typically led by ministry leaders, trained volunteers, or licensed professionals depending on the topic. They are best utilized when someone benefits from shared experience, community, and mutual encouragement.
Clinical Services (Fee-Based)
ACT provides intensive, team‑based support for individuals who need ongoing care in the community rather than in a hospital setting. It offers wrap‑around services such as case management, medication support, and crisis intervention. ACT is provided by multidisciplinary mental health teams. It’s best utilized when someone has severe, persistent mental health needs requiring coordinated, long‑term support.
Counseling helps individuals, couples, or families work through emotional, relational, or behavioral challenges in a structured, supportive environment. It focuses on problem‑solving, coping skills, and improving daily functioning. Counseling is provided by licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, or social workers. It’s best utilized when someone needs focused support for a specific issue or relational concern.
CBT helps people identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with healthier, more accurate ways of thinking and responding. It is structured, goal‑oriented, and skills‑based. CBT is provided by licensed therapists trained in cognitive behavioral approaches. It’s best utilized when someone is dealing with anxiety, depression, or patterns of negative thinking.
DBT teaches skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and reducing harmful behaviors. It includes mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT is offered by licensed clinicians with specialized DBT training. It’s best utilized when someone experiences emotional overwhelm, impulsivity, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships.
EFT helps couples understand the emotional patterns that keep them disconnected and teaches them how to respond to each other with greater safety and empathy. It strengthens attachment and fosters deeper connection. EFT is provided by licensed marriage and family therapists or counselors trained in EFT. It’s best utilized when couples feel stuck in recurring conflict or long for deeper emotional closeness.
EMDR helps people process distressing memories in a safe, guided way using bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or tapping. It reduces the emotional intensity of past experiences and helps the brain reprocess trauma. EMDR is provided by licensed therapists with EMDR certification. It’s best utilized when someone has trauma, intrusive memories, or experiences that feel “stuck.”
Group therapy provides therapist‑led support where participants learn from one another’s experiences and practice new skills. It offers both professional guidance and peer connection. Group therapy is facilitated by licensed clinicians. It’s best utilized when someone benefits from shared experience, accountability, and structured therapeutic work.
IFS helps people understand the different “parts” of themselves — such as protectors, critics, or wounded parts — and relate to them with compassion. It promotes internal harmony and healing rather than self‑judgment. IFS is offered by licensed therapists trained in the IFS model. It’s best utilized when someone feels internally conflicted or struggles with self‑criticism, shame, or emotional fragmentation.
MI is a collaborative, conversational approach that helps people explore their own motivations for change. It’s especially helpful when someone feels ambivalent or unsure how to begin making changes. MI is offered by licensed counselors, social workers, and substance‑use specialists. It’s best utilized when someone is navigating addiction, habit change, or readiness for growth.
Parenting support includes workshops, coaching, or classes that help parents build skills and strengthen relationships with their children. It offers practical tools and emotional support for the challenges of raising kids. These services are provided by counselors, parent educators, or trained ministry leaders. They are best utilized when parents need guidance, resources, or encouragement.
Psychotherapy is a deeper, insight‑oriented form of talk therapy that explores patterns, emotions, and long‑standing struggles. It helps people understand themselves more fully and develop healthier ways of relating to others. Psychotherapy is offered by licensed mental health professionals with advanced training. It’s best utilized when someone is navigating complex emotional histories, trauma, or chronic patterns.
Psychiatric services include assessment, diagnosis, and medication management when appropriate. They help address biological or chemical components of mental health concerns. These services are provided by psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners. They are best utilized when someone may benefit from medication or needs a comprehensive mental health evaluation.
Crisis Resources
- 24/7 Crisis Hotlines (Statewide/National)
- Local Mental Health & Crisis Support Services Clinics and Centers
- If You’re Unsure Where to Start (Dial 2-1-1 free information and referral services)
- For A Complete List
Call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Provides confidential, one-on-one support for suicide, self-harm, or overwhelming emotional distress.
24/7 crisis support available by phone or in person statewide: 1‑833‑364‑2274 (also listed as 833‑DMH‑CCRI).
A trained clinician will assess your situation and, if needed, dispatch a crisis team to your location.
Text HOPE4SC to 741741 for free, confidential, 24/7 crisis support.
This newly formed agency (2025) oversees mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services in a coordinated system.
Provides crisis resources, outpatient programs, and inpatient care across the state.
Provides outpatient counseling and psychiatric services.
Open 24/7, offering inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care.