In recent years, people have started to understand how important mental health is, leading to the opening of many clinics and centres that support individuals on their mental health journeys.
This article will take a closer look at the services offered by the Pee Dee Mental Health Center and how their dedicated professional teams work together to help patients in different ways.
Additionally, BetterHelp provides an easy way to get the help you need. By signing up for BetterHelp, you can connect with licensed healthcare providers and access their services whenever you need them.
About Pee Dee Mental Health Center

Pee Dee Mental Health Center has been helping people in the Pee Dee area for over forty years, adjusting to the changing needs of those dealing with mental and emotional issues.
The dedicated staff provides high-quality services for adults, children, and families in Florence, Darlington, and Marion Counties, focusing on making care efficient, effective, and safe.
The centre aims to be a leading provider of behavioural health care by offering easy access to a wide range of services that meet the community’s needs.
They support individuals experiencing serious mental health problems, substance abuse, or emotional distress, with help available 24/7 by phone or in person.
Their goal is to help clients regain their independence while staying connected to their community.
Additionally, Pee Dee Mental Health Center is an approved site for healthcare professionals to complete their service requirements through loan repayment or scholarships.
Mental Health Services Provided By Pee Dee
Pee Dee Mental Health Center offers a variety of mental health services aimed at supporting individuals of all ages facing emotional and psychiatric challenges.
1. Adult Outpatient Services
Adult Outpatient Services focus on helping adults with serious mental health issues. When patients arrive, they meet with a counsellor to discuss their needs and create a personalized treatment plan.
Key services include counselling, psychiatric care, and specialized programs like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for mood disorders and harmful behaviours.
They also have a 24/7 Crisis Program for emergencies and an First Episode Psychosis program for those experiencing psychotic symptoms for the first time.
Care Coordination helps connect patients with community resources for additional support.
They provide individual, family, and group therapy, and their qualified staff is available around the clock to assist with crisis intervention and rehabilitation.
2. Child, Adolescent and Family Services (CAF)
Child, Adolescent, and Family Services (CAF) aim to support families and young people facing emotional or behavioural difficulties.
These services help address issues that may affect home life or school attendance, emphasizing the importance of family involvement in treatment.
Services can be provided at the centre, in schools, or at home and include programs like the 24/7 Crisis Program and Multi-Dimensional Therapy for at-risk families.
They also use DBT to help individuals develop coping skills.
Care Coordination connects families to essential community resources, and the centre offers various counselling options, including individual and group therapy, as well as support for students’ mental health.
3. Community Integration Services
Pee Dee Mental Health Center offers Community Integration Services to support individuals with mental disabilities in achieving their dreams of living independently, connecting with family and friends, finding meaningful work, and being part of their communities.
The center emphasizes recovery as a personal journey that fosters hope, empowerment, support, self-help, and meaningful activities.
Their services focus on enhancing patients’ health, stability in housing, purposeful daily activities, and social connections.
Key programs include Toward Local Care, which assists patients recently discharged from hospitalization; Intensive Community Treatment, providing personalized support in home and community settings; and the Silver Years Program for older adults experiencing early dementia alongside mental illness.
They also offer Housing/Shelter Plus for eligible homeless patients, Individual Placement Services to help clients find employment, and Care Coordination/Crisis services that allow access to additional outpatient resources.
Furthermore, trained Peer Support specialists, who are individuals in recovery themselves, provide guidance and encouragement to those currently undergoing treatment.
Leadership Team & Board of Directors

The leadership team and Board of Directors at Pee Dee Mental Health Center comprise dedicated professionals who are committed to providing high-quality mental health services to the community. Here are some of them…
1. Leadership Team
- Patrick M. Bresnan, MBA, is the Executive Director, responsible for managing the center’s operations and ensuring it meets high standards of care while adapting to the community’s needs.
- James Mazgaj, MD, serves as the Medical Director, overseeing clinical services and ensuring patients receive effective treatment. His medical expertise helps guide the center’s approach to care.
- Susan Carter, MA, LPC-S, is the Quality Improvement Director. She focuses on enhancing service quality, implementing best practices, and integrating feedback into the care process to maintain high accreditation standards.
- Cathy Lance-Timmons, MSW, is the Director of Community Integration Services, helping clients connect with mental health resources in the community. She ensures that individuals have access to the support they need.
- Angela Moses, MA, HRDV, is the Human Resources Manager, responsible for recruiting and supporting staff. She helps create a positive work environment, ensuring the team is well-prepared to meet clients’ needs.
- Nadine Livingston, MBA, MA, is the Director of Outpatient Clinics, overseeing outpatient services and coordinating with various departments to ensure clients receive the right care.
2. Board of Directors
The Board of Directors at Pee Dee Mental Health Center is responsible for guiding the organization and making sure it meets the community’s needs.
- Joseph M. Bittle, Chairman: As the Chairman, Joseph leads the Board, helping to set the centre’s goals and direction. He makes sure the Board works well and stays focused on the center’s mission.
- Dr. William “Bill” Hazelwood, Vice-Chair: Bill, as the Vice-chair, supports Joseph and steps in when needed. His experience helps the Board make important decisions.
- John H. Hofler, III, Parliamentarian: John ensures that Board meetings run smoothly and follow the rules. His job is important for keeping discussions organized and productive.
Together, the leadership team and Board of Directors work collaboratively to ensure that Pee Dee Mental Health Center provides effective, compassionate mental health services to those in need.
Want to know more about mental health hospitals, check these out:
- Packard Mental Health Center: Empowering Minds
- Fallon Mental Health Center: Dedicated to Mental Well-being
- Erlanger Mental Health Hospital: Compassionate Care
CARF: A Mark of Quality Excellence
CARF, or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, is a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving the quality of services for people in need.
When a provider meets CARF’s tough standards, it shows they are committed to being one of the best in their field.
The accreditation process involves checking various service areas and business practices through on-site surveys, highlighting that this accreditation is a continuous effort to enhance services, encourage feedback, and support the community.
Providers accredited by CARF follow strict quality guidelines and are evaluated every three years for compliance.
Pee Dee Mental Health Center received its latest accreditation in February 2022 and will go through the process again in November 2024.
To succeed, Pee Dee Mental Health assesses its environment to ensure it aligns with its mission, identifies opportunities and challenges for strategic planning, and involves clients and stakeholders in the process.
Implementing these plans is key to reaching goals, measuring success, and maintaining an organization that is proactive and adaptable in creating positive change.
Address and Contact Information
Pee Dee Mental Health Center is situated at 125 East Cheves Street, Florence, SC 29506.
For inquiries, you can contact the centre at 843-317-4073. Those needing TTY assistance can reach out by calling 800-647-2066.
For any further details check by their official website.
FAQ’s:
Why is mental health treatment important?
Mental health treatment is important because it helps people manage their feelings and cope with life’s challenges.
Just like we care for our physical health, taking care of our mental health is crucial for our overall well-being.
What is the hardest mental illness to treat?
The hardest mental illness to treat can vary for each person, but conditions like schizophrenia, severe depression, and personality disorders often present significant challenges due to their complexity and the need for long-term care.
What causes poor mental health?
Poor mental health can be caused by many factors, including stress, trauma, genetic predispositions, and difficult life situations.
Things like relationships, work pressure, and personal experiences can also affect mental health.
