Live Oak Mental Health and Wellness facility in Ladson, S.C., expanded by adding 24 inpatient beds, boosting capacity to 84 for children and adults in crisis. This marks the Lowcountry’s first such facility in over 30 years, addressing statewide specialist shortages.
Expansion Focus
HCA Healthcare’s upgrade emphasizes patient safety, earning the Zero Harm award from the South Carolina Hospital Association for three years running due to strong suicide prevention and education efforts.
Staff and Programs
CEO David Herrington credits a safety-first culture supported by all employees, while outpatient manager Patsy Unger views social work as a calling. Offerings include group therapy, a daily therapy dog, and partnerships with local specialists, with average inpatient stays of 5-7 days.
Training Initiative
The facility combats shortages via a graduate medical education program training future psychologists and psychiatrists, alongside family education on mental health symptoms for deeper understanding and reduced isolation.
