A referral can be made by the individual seeking care, a family member, healthcare provider, school professional, first responder or community partner. A physician referral is not required.

Call 843-347-8871 to speak with a member of the admissions team. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer questions and coordinate a confidential behavioral health assessment. People who are medically stable may also come directly to Lighthouse for a walk-in mental health assessment.

An emergency room visit is not required before seeking an assessment. Following the assessment, our clinical team will determine the most appropriate level of care based on your needs.

Lighthouse works with most major insurance plans, including many commercial plans, South Carolina and North Carolina Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE® and Veterans Affairs benefits. We’re located in Conway, South Carolina.

Call 843-347-8871 and a member of the admissions team will collect your insurance information and verify available benefits. We will explain any known deductibles, copayments, coinsurance or other financial responsibility before admission whenever possible.

Insurance coverage and authorization requirements vary by plan and level of care. Verification of benefits does not guarantee payment, but our team will help you understand the information provided by your insurance company.

The length of an inpatient stay varies because treatment is based on each patient’s individual needs, safety and clinical progress. Acute inpatient care focuses on crisis stabilization, developing a safe discharge plan and connecting the patient with the appropriate next level of support.

Many inpatient stays are approximately 7-10 days, although some may be shorter or longer. The treatment team will continually evaluate progress and communicate with the patient and family or guardian, when appropriate, throughout the stay.

Lighthouse’s medical team includes internal medicine physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who work alongside our psychiatric providers. The team can monitor and manage many common medical conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, while a patient receives behavioral health treatment.

Because Lighthouse is a behavioral health hospital, patients must be medically stable and appropriate for our level of care. The admissions team will review current conditions, medications and treatment needs before admission. If a patient requires emergency or specialized medical care beyond what Lighthouse can safely provide, our team will coordinate care with an appropriate medical facility.

We generally recommend bringing approximately three days of comfortable clothing, including:

• 3 shirts or tops
• 3 pairs of pants
• 4 pairs of socks
• 4 pairs of underwear
• 1 sweatshirt, sweater or pullover without a hood
• 1 pair of pajamas
• 1 pair of slippers
• Up to 2 pairs of shoes without laces

Clothing should fit comfortably and provide appropriate coverage for a shared treatment environment. Please do not bring clothing with sexually explicit language or images, references to drugs or alcohol or messages that promote violence. Certain items, including clothing with strings or other potential safety concerns, may not be permitted.

Patients can generally wear their own approved clothing during treatment. Washers and dryers are available, and staff will do laundry as needed. For everyone’s safety, staff will inspect belongings at admission and securely store or return any items that are not permitted. Call the admissions team at 843-347-8871 if you have questions about a specific item or need a unit-specific packing list.

To maintain a safe and therapeutic environment, the following items are not permitted on patient units:

• Cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, headphones, cameras and personal electronics
• Chargers, hair dryers and other items with cords
• Pocket knives, razors, mirrors, glass items or other sharp or breakable objects
• Hoodies or clothing with hoods, drawstrings or other potential safety concerns
• Personal toiletries brought from home
• Large amounts of cash, expensive jewelry or other valuables
• Cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, vapes, vaping supplies, lighters, matches or other tobacco and nicotine products.

Cigarettes, vapes, lighters and related items cannot be stored by the hospital and will be discarded upon admission. They cannot be returned at discharge.

Lighthouse provides approved toiletries and towels. Television may be available during designated times when therapeutic programming is not scheduled.

Please leave unnecessary cash and valuables at home whenever possible. Any money or restricted valuables that can be safely stored will be secured according to hospital policy and returned at discharge.

All belongings are reviewed during admission. Other items that cannot be permitted on the unit may be securely stored or sent home with a family member or support person. If you are unsure about a specific item, please call the admissions team at 843-347-8871 before arrival.

No. Lighthouse is a tobacco-free and vape-free facility. Smoking, vaping and the use of tobacco or nicotine products are not permitted anywhere on hospital property.

Please leave cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, vapes, vaping supplies, lighters, matches and other tobacco or nicotine products at home. These items cannot be stored by the hospital and will be discarded upon admission.

Nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine patches, may be available when ordered by a medical provider if clinically appropriate.

Please bring a current list of all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and supplements you take. Include each medication’s name, dosage, schedule and prescribing provider.

Because every situation is different, ask a member of the admissions team whether you should bring your medications with you. If instructed to bring them, medications should remain in their original, clearly labeled pharmacy containers.

For safety, patients may not keep or take medications independently during their stay. All medications brought to Lighthouse will be reviewed and secured by our clinical team. Medications will be administered only as ordered by a provider and managed by hospital staff.

If you take a specialized or less commonly available medication, please notify the admissions team before arrival so we can provide specific instructions. Call 843-347-8871 with medication-related questions.

Treatment at Lighthouse focuses on safety, crisis stabilization and helping you prepare for continued care after discharge. Our team works with you to develop an individualized treatment plan based on your symptoms, needs and goals.

Care includes assessments and structured therapeutic programming, such as:

• An assessment by a mental health registered nurse or therapist at admission
• A medical examination to review your physical health needs
• An initial psychiatric evaluation within 24 hours of admission
• Ongoing psychiatric care, including medication evaluation and adjustments when appropriate
• Therapy groups focused on coping skills, emotional regulation, communication and managing stress
• Substance use and recovery groups for patients in the Dual Diagnosis program
• Recreational and therapeutic activities that encourage engagement and healthy self-expression
• Medication education and opportunities to ask your treatment team questions
• Daily goal-setting and opportunities to reflect on progress
• Time for journaling, relaxation and personal reflection
• A consultation with a registered dietitian when needed
• Safety planning and coordination of follow-up care

Services and schedules vary by unit and individual treatment needs. Family or support-person involvement may also be included when appropriate and with the necessary consent. Throughout your stay, we encourage you to ask questions, share concerns and participate actively in your care. The goal is to help you stabilize and connect with the support you need for your next step.

Your inpatient therapist provides care during your hospital stay and will not be your ongoing outpatient therapist. Before discharge, our team will help coordinate follow-up services with providers who can support your continued treatment.

Inpatient care focuses on stabilizing an immediate crisis. Feeling better is an important step but continued care can help you build on that progress, strengthen coping skills and manage challenges after returning home. Depending on your needs, recommendations may include individual therapy, medication management or a more structured level of outpatient support.

The Beacon, Lighthouse’s intensive outpatient program, offers services for adults and adolescents and may be an appropriate next step following an assessment.

Your discharge plan will reflect your individual needs and treatment goals. Our goal is to help you leave with a clear understanding of your next steps and how to access continued support.

Please tell Admissions and the nursing teams about any food allergies, dietary restrictions or difficulty chewing or swallowing. These needs are reviewed during your admission assessment so they can be included in your care plan.

Lighthouse has a registered dietitian on staff who provides dietary consultations when ordered by a doctor or nurse. Our dietary team works with your clinical team to plan meals that support your nutritional and medical needs.

Modified food textures, such as chopped or puréed meals, may be provided when clinically appropriate. If you have a specialized dietary requirement, please discuss it with the admissions team before arrival so we can review whether it can be safely accommodated.

Outside food and beverages are not permitted at Lighthouse Behavioral Health Hospital. This includes items brought by patients, family members or visitors.

During your stay, Lighthouse provides three balanced meals each day, along with 2-3 snacks. Please let your nursing team know about any food allergies or special dietary needs so they can coordinate with our dietary staff.

Yes. Family and support-person visits can be an important part of your care. All visitors must be 18 years or older.

Visitation takes place on designated days and during scheduled hours, which may vary by unit. Your patient handbook will explain the visitation schedule and guidelines when you are admitted.

Please have any visitors contact the hospital before arriving to confirm current visiting hours and any requirements. Our team can answer questions and help you and your support system understand what to expect.

Yes. Letters and cards from family, friends and other support people are welcome and can provide encouragement during treatment.

We recommend keeping routine bills and financial statements at home whenever possible so you can focus on your care. If an urgent personal or financial matter needs your attention, please let your treatment team know so they can discuss available support.

Before sending mail, contact the hospital for mailing instructions and guidance about permitted items.

Your privacy matters. Lighthouse protects your health information in accordance with HIPAA and other applicable confidentiality laws. Upon admission, you will receive a numeric identification code that you may share with people you want to contact you. If a caller does not have your code, staff will not confirm or deny your admission through routine telephone inquiries. Having your code does not automatically authorize someone to receive details about your treatment.

The team will explain how to authorize the sharing of information and document your communication preferences. Information may also be shared when permitted or required by law. For patients under 18 or those with a legally authorized representative, our team will explain how privacy and consent requirements apply.

Please let staff know if you have concerns about a particular person contacting you or learning about your stay.

Yes. Staying connected with family, friends and other support people can be an important part of your treatment and recovery.

Patients may make calls daily during designated phone times. These times support participation in therapeutic programming and may vary by unit. Your patient handbook will outline the schedule, and staff can answer questions about using the unit phones.

To protect your privacy, share your patient identification code only with people you want to contact you. Loved ones calling the hospital will need this code.

Lighthouse does not offer scheduled worship services. However, we recognize that faith and spirituality can be meaningful sources of comfort and support. We respect patients of all faiths, spiritual traditions and personal beliefs, including those who do not practice a religion.

You may bring a bible or other religious reading materials, subject to the hospital’s safety guidelines. A bible is also available upon request. If you would like a visit from your clergy member or spiritual leader, please speak with your therapist. The team can help coordinate a visit in accordance with your treatment schedule and hospital visitation guidelines.

Psychiatric care will be provided by the treatment team assigned to your unit. Our providers care for patients with the behavioral health needs served by that program.

During admission, staff will introduce you to your care team and explain who your psychiatric provider and therapist will be. They will work with nursing staff and other team members to develop your treatment plan, review your progress and coordinate your care.

You’re encouraged to ask questions about your diagnosis, medications and treatment goals throughout your stay.

Your concerns matter, and we encourage you to speak up if you are uncomfortable with any aspect of your care or an interaction with a staff member.

You may speak with your nurse, therapist, psychiatric provider or another team member you feel comfortable approaching. You may also request to speak directly with the patient advocate. You do not need to make repeated attempts to resolve a concern with unit staff before requesting additional support.

Your patient handbook explains how to submit a formal grievance under the “Grievance Procedure” section. Staff can help you access this information and connect you with the appropriate person.

We’re committed to listening respectfully and addressing concerns. If you have an immediate safety concern, notify a staff member right away.

Lighthouse provides inpatient behavioral health care for children and adolescents ages 10–17, adults and older adults. Treatment is provided through programs designed for the needs of each population. The admissions team will review the individual’s age, symptoms and care needs to determine the most appropriate program.

Yes. Lighthouse provides adolescent inpatient care on gender-specific units, meaning male and female patients receive care on separate units.

Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan within a structured therapeutic environment. Please contact Admissions with questions about unit placement.

Inpatient treatment may be needed when mental health symptoms create serious safety concerns or require more support than can be provided at home or through outpatient care. Concerns may include suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviors, severe mood changes, hallucinations, or difficulty managing an emotional or behavioral crisis.

You do not have to determine the level of care on your own. Call 843-347-8871 to speak with Admissions about a mental health  assessment. The clinical team will review the situation and recommend appropriate care.

If there’s an immediate threat to life, a suspected overdose or a serious medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Lighthouse offers behavioral health assessments 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Medically stable individuals may come directly to the hospital for a walk-in assessment. A physician’s referral or prior emergency room visit is not always required.

You may also call 843-347-8871 before arriving to discuss your concerns and what to bring. Depending on your condition, a medical evaluation may be needed before admission. An assessment helps determine the appropriate level of care and does not guarantee inpatient admission.

A member of the assessment team will talk with you about your current concerns, symptoms, safety, medical history, medications and previous treatment. We may also ask about the support you have at home and how your symptoms affect daily life.

For children and adolescents, parents or guardians may provide additional information and participate as appropriate.

The assessment helps our clinical team recommend the level of care that best fits your needs. Recommendations may include inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient services, individual therapy or another community resource. An assessment does not automatically result in admission.

Voluntary admission generally means a person agrees to receive inpatient treatment. Involuntary admission follows a legal process when specific criteria are met, such as a likelihood of serious harm related to mental illness.

Your admission status affects the procedures for requesting discharge. Voluntary admission does not always mean immediate discharge upon request; clinical review and legal requirements may be involved.

The team will explain your admission status, patient rights and discharge process. For children and adolescents, additional consent requirements may apply. Please ask your treatment team or patient advocate if anything is unclear.

Parents and guardians can provide important information about their child’s symptoms, strengths, medical history and needs at home or school.

Your child’s treatment team will explain how you can participate, which may include sharing information, receiving education, participating in family sessions when appropriate and helping develop a discharge and safety plan.

Communication and involvement follow applicable privacy and consent requirements. Please ask staff who your primary contact will be and how to reach the team with questions or concerns.

Before you leave, your treatment team will work with you to develop a plan for continued care. This may include follow-up appointments, medication instructions, a safety plan and recommendations for additional support.

Depending on your needs, the next step may be individual therapy, medication management, intensive outpatient treatment or other community services.

We encourage you to review your discharge instructions, ask questions and tell your team about barriers such as transportation, cost or difficulty obtaining medications. Care does not stop at stabilization; continued support helps you build on the progress made during your stay.

The Beacon, a program of Lighthouse Behavioral Health Hospital, offers intensive outpatient services for adults and adolescents ages 10–17.

An intensive outpatient program provides structured therapeutic support while allowing participants to return home after treatment. It may be appropriate as a next step after hospitalization or for someone who needs more support than individual therapy alone.

In-person and virtual options are available, with schedules varying by program. An assessment helps determine whether this level of care is appropriate. Call 843-347-8871 to ask about scheduling an outpatient assessment.

Contact the admissions team at 843-347-8871 to discuss your situation. Our team can review your coverage status and explain available payment options or resources that may apply.

Costs and financial arrangements depend on the services recommended and your individual circumstances. Let us know about financial concerns so we can help you understand your options.

Tell someone in Admissions or the nursing team if you need an interpreter, use sign language or need another form of communication support. You may share these needs before arrival or at any point during your stay.

They will review your needs and explain how to access appropriate assistance. We want you to understand your assessment, treatment and discharge instructions and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Your child’s immediate safety and stabilization are the priorities during inpatient treatment. We also understand that families may have concerns about missed school, assignments and returning to the classroom.

Please discuss these concerns with your child’s treatment team early in the stay. Ask about available school coordination, attendance documentation and planning for the transition back to school.

Any communication with school personnel follows applicable privacy and consent requirements. Let the team know about existing school support or accommodations that may help with discharge planning.