Charleston is one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in the American South, a place where the legacy of slavery, racial trauma, and antebellum violence continues to shape the psychological landscape of its residents. The 2015 shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church brought renewed attention to racial trauma in the city and accelerated efforts to build culturally responsive trauma care. Charleston’s also faces ongoing natural disaster risk from hurricanes and sea level rise, and the region’s military presence at Joint Base Charleston contributes to a significant veteran and military family population.
1. Centerway Counseling
Founded: Established practice
Phone: (843) 974-5622
Website: https://centerway.com
Address: 2287 Henry Tecklenburg Drive B, Charleston, SC 29414
Service Area: Charleston, West Ashley, and surrounding Lowcountry area; telehealth available across South Carolina
Specializations: Trauma, PTSD, EMDR, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Relationship Issues
Credentials: Licensed therapist; EMDR trained
Insurance: Contact provider for insurance details
Practice Size: Group practice
Fee Structure: Contact for session rates; sliding scale may be available
Centerway Counseling is a Charleston therapy practice in West Ashley offering EMDR and trauma-informed counseling for adults. The practice provides individualized trauma care and serves clients throughout the Charleston metro area with both in-person and telehealth appointment options.
2. MUSC National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center (NCVRTC)
Founded: Established practice
Phone: (843) 792-8209
Website: https://muschealth.org
Address: 67 Presidents Street, Charleston, SC 29425
Service Area: Charleston and surrounding Lowcountry communities; research and treatment programs available to eligible clients
Specializations: Trauma, PTSD, EMDR, Prolonged Exposure, CPT, Sexual Assault Trauma, Crime Victimization
Credentials: Licensed therapist; PhD-level researchers and clinicians; evidence-based trauma treatment specialists
Insurance: Contact provider for insurance details
Practice Size: Academic medical center / research and treatment program
Fee Structure: Contact for session rates; research program participation may be available
The MUSC National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center (NCVRTC) at the Medical University of South Carolina is a nationally recognized center for trauma research and evidence-based treatment. The center specializes in trauma from crime victimization and sexual assault and offers gold-standard treatments including Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and EMDR.
3. LCB Health
Founded: Established practice
Phone: (843) 732-0187
Website: https://lcbhealth.com
Address: 3404 Salterbeck Street, Unit 206, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
Service Area: Mount Pleasant, Charleston, and surrounding Lowcountry area; telehealth available across South Carolina
Specializations: Trauma, PTSD, EMDR, Anxiety, Depression, Military Trauma, First Responder Trauma
Credentials: Licensed therapist; EMDR trained; military and first responder experience
Insurance: Contact provider for insurance details
Practice Size: Group practice
Fee Structure: Contact for session rates; sliding scale may be available
LCB Health is a Mount Pleasant counseling practice serving the greater Charleston area with EMDR and trauma-focused therapy. The practice has experience with military-connected clients and first responders and provides both in-person sessions in Mount Pleasant and telehealth services across South Carolina.
State Licensing Information
In South Carolina, mental health providers are licensed by the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Counseling (LPC), the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners (LCSW), and the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT). EMDR is a post-graduate specialty certification through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and is not a separate licensure category under South Carolina law. Consumers can verify a provider’s current license status through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation online lookup portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Charleston have trauma therapists who specialize in racial and historical trauma?
Charleston’s history as one of the principal ports of the American slave trade means the city has a particular awareness of historical and intergenerational racial trauma. Local therapists have responded to the 2015 Emanuel AME massacre and the broader legacy of racial violence with increased attention to culturally responsive trauma care. Ask providers directly about their approach to racial and historical trauma.
Does Charleston have trauma resources for veterans and military families?
Charleston is home to Joint Base Charleston, and the area has multiple providers experienced in military-related trauma. The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston provides comprehensive PTSD and mental health services for eligible veterans. Some private practices in the area accept Tricare insurance for active-duty and veteran clients.
Are EMDR intensives available in the Charleston area?
Some Charleston-area trauma providers offer EMDR intensives that condense treatment into extended sessions over one or several days. Contact providers directly to ask about intensive formats and scheduling.
What crisis mental health services are available in Charleston?
The Charleston Area Mental Health Center provides crisis services for residents of Charleston County. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text nationwide. MUSC Health also provides emergency psychiatric services in Charleston.
Does South Carolina allow telehealth for trauma therapy?
Yes, South Carolina-licensed mental health providers can deliver therapy via telehealth to clients located anywhere in the state. Telehealth options can expand access for residents of surrounding communities such as Summerville, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, and other Lowcountry areas.
Verification Note
Provider details such as phone numbers, addresses, and credentials were compiled from publicly available sources and may have changed since publication. Readers are strongly encouraged to verify all contact information and current availability directly via each provider’s official website before scheduling services. Licensing status can be confirmed through the respective state licensing board, and EMDR certification can be verified through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) at https://www.emdria.org.
Disclaimer
The trauma therapy providers listed on this page represent a selection of practitioners and practices operating in the Charleston area. Each provider’s details, including addresses, phone numbers, specializations, and background information, are based on publicly available data verified at the time of publication. Inclusion on this page does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or clinical referral. This directory is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individuals seeking trauma therapy should conduct their own research, verify current licensing and credentials, confirm insurance acceptance, and consult with providers directly to determine the best fit for their specific needs.