Therapy for Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders in South Carolina

Psychotic disorders involve a loss of contact with reality in some form: hearing or seeing things others don't, holding fixed beliefs that don't match the evidence, disorganized thinking, or a flattening of emotion and motivation. They are medical conditions, not character flaws, and with consistent treatment many people live stable, meaningful lives.

Medication from a psychiatric prescriber is the foundation of treatment for most psychotic disorders. Therapy is the part that helps you live with the illness: understanding your own warning signs, managing symptoms that medication doesn't fully resolve, rebuilding routine and relationships, and supporting the family members who are often carrying a great deal.

Conditions we treat

The DSM-5-TR groups these as schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Diagnosis and medication management are handled by a psychiatric prescriber; we provide the counseling side of care and coordinate closely.

Schizophrenia: Two or more of delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms (such as diminished emotional expression or motivation), for a significant portion of a month, with continuous signs for at least six months and a decline in functioning.
Schizoaffective disorder: Psychotic symptoms alongside a major mood episode (depressive or manic), with a period of at least two weeks of psychosis without prominent mood symptoms. Treated with attention to both the psychotic and the mood components.
Delusional disorder: One or more delusions lasting a month or more without the other features of schizophrenia; functioning is often otherwise intact apart from the impact of the belief itself.
Brief psychotic disorder and first-episode psychosis: Psychotic symptoms lasting less than a month, often after a major stressor, or a first episode of psychosis in a young adult. Early, coordinated treatment makes a large difference to long-term outcomes.
Psychosis with mood disorders: Severe depression or mania can include psychotic features. These are treated within the mood disorder; see our depression and bipolar pages.

How we treat it

Cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp) helps people examine distressing beliefs and cope with voices without needing them to disappear first. Alongside it we use relapse-prevention planning, skills training for daily living, social and work goals, and family psychoeducation, which lowers relapse rates. We are a counseling practice and don't prescribe; we work in partnership with your psychiatrist or other prescriber, and if you don't have one we'll help you find one. We are not an emergency service: if someone is in acute crisis or unable to stay safe, call 988 or go to the nearest emergency room, and we'll be here for the ongoing work afterwards.

When to reach out

You've been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder and want more than medication appointments
Symptoms are stable but life hasn't come back yet
A family member has schizophrenia and you need skills and support
A young adult in your family is showing early signs and you don't know where to turn

Schedule an appointment Call (843) 894-0000

Common questions

Can you treat schizophrenia without medication?

No. Antipsychotic medication is the foundation of treatment for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, and therapy works alongside it. We'll be clear about that from the first visit and help you connect with a prescriber if you need one.

Do you offer family support?

Yes. Family psychoeducation is one of the best-supported treatments for psychotic disorders, and we also see family members for their own support.

What if someone is in crisis right now?

Call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. Outpatient therapy is for ongoing care, not emergencies.

Where to get help for schizophrenia & psychosis

Based on our clinicians' current specialties, this is treated at six locations:

Closer to North Charleston, Forest Acres, Greenville, Anderson or online? Call (843) 894-0000; the right therapist may be available by video, or we'll suggest the nearest office with the right fit.

Diagnostic descriptions on this page are summarized in plain language from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR, 2022). This page is educational. It is not a substitute for evaluation by a licensed clinician, and only a licensed clinician can make a diagnosis.

Ready when you are.

Call us or submit a short intake form. A Patient Account Representative will match you with a therapist, and most new clients have their first appointment within a few business days.