Columbia Area Mental Health Center

“If you’re Black and have been made the scapegoat or “black sheep” in your family—especially after experiencing psychological or physical abuse—you may not find the support you expect here. In my experience, once it’s established that there’s no substance abuse or sexual abuse involved, the concern feels surface-level. Information you share about your situation can end up being reframed in a way that shifts the focus onto you as the problem, rather than addressing the family dynamics or abuse itself. Instead of meaningful support, the process can feel like: - Being pathologized for normal reactions to prolonged stress - Having your concerns minimized or reframed - Experiencing subtle dismissal or passive-aggressive responses when asking questions - Feeling like your voice is not taken seriously unless you fit a specific clinical profile There also seems to be a lack of consistency in care. Communication can be poor, and the overall approach may feel impersonal—more procedural than genuinely supportive. If you are functional and able to articulate your situation clearly, that may actually work against you rather than in your favor. For those who are financially vulnerable, it can feel like you have limited leverage in the situation from the start. I’m not saying everyone will have the same experience, but mine left me feeling unheard, misrepresented, and more frustrated than when I started. People seeking help should be aware that the quality of care may vary significantly depending on the provider and circumstances.”

“I called because I was told by the health department that they offer FREE services and have telehealth. The worker on the phone is far from cordial and they are NOT free services nor offer telehealth. This seems like a way for them to gain clients and seems like their business ethics might be lacking. I wouldn't step foot in a MENTAL HEALTH office that works this way. Sounds like they might be BAD for your mental health.”

“Know that if you come in, desperate for help and cant afford it you HAVE to fill out the Hardship program paperwork immediately or they will slap you with a multi thousand dollar bill despite being assured many, MANY times while in a terrible mental state that it will be taken care of and that you will be covered. They don't care if you need help or don't understand how the system works or if your mental health hinders you from being able to take the proper steps in a "timely manner." No one tells you there's a cut off. Only gave a two star because they did help me find some medications that can help.”

“There is no feeling or actual sense of urgency when in crisis! Dealt with them for over 12 yrs and as a very involved family member I can say I wish we moved away years ago for the sake of mental health alone. To the staff here is a job that’s it you aren’t a person and it shows and my family and I SUFFER DUE TO LACK OF attention !!!”