Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness starts substance use and recovery program

Ladson, S.C. — According to a report published by the Partnership to End Addiction, only about 1 in 10 people who need treatment for substance problems receive any form of care. Of those who do receive treatment, most do not receive anything that approximates evidence-based care.

To expand access to experienced substance use professionals, Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness is starting a new Substance Use and Recovery program Monday, January 8, 2024. The intensive outpatient program is for adults, 18+.

The Substance Use and Recovery program is led by Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness psychiatrist and addiction specialist Reaghan Hicks, MD and addiction specialist Melissa Hickman, LAC, AADC. Both have more than 10 years’ experience. Hickman says in her experience most people struggling with substance use have two things in common — childhood trauma or a family history of substance use.

But, Hickman has words of encouragement for those who are making the decision to seek help. “The road to recovery is different for everyone and there will be ebbs and flows along the way. And, it’s very important to lean on your supports — your family and your therapists.”

Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness, a part of Trident Medical Center, is a 60-bed mental health hospital that provides inpatient and outpatient services to adolescents (age 12+) and adults, with a designated area for geriatric adults. It is located at 3445 Ingleside Blvd., Ladson, SC 29456.

The new Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness Substance Use and Recovery Program is for those who are:

• 18 years of age or older
• Experiencing difficulty achieving and maintaining sobriety or need a step down from a higher level of care
• Or, needing support to achieve sobriety and establish a sober support system

The program includes:

• Intensive group therapy on a variety of topics including personal triggers, cravings, family issues, depression/anxiety and relapse
• 3 days a week (Mon., Thur., Fri.; 12:30 pm — 3:30 pm each day) approximately 4-6 weeks (as assessed by the treatment team)
• Psychiatric assessment and treatment plan developed by a board-certified addition psychiatrist.

Substance Use and Recovery Program Team Leaders:

Reaghan Hicks, MD, Psychiatry

Dr. Hicks is board certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. She completed residency at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville and completed her fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina. She joined Trident Medical Center in 2021 and leads outpatient services at Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness.

Melissa Hickman, LAC, AADC, Addiction Specialist

Melissa has more than 10 years experience as an addiction specialist in the field of rehabilitation counseling, primarily working in medication assisted treatment. She is a Licensed Addiction Counselor and holds her Advanced Alcohol and Drug Certification.

In 2023, Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness received the Drive to Zero Suicide Award from the South Carolina Hospital Association, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health.

Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness is located at 3445 Ingleside Blvd., Ladson, SC 29456. For more information, visit the Live Oak Mental Health & Wellness website.

Live Oak Mental Health and Wellness is a 60-bed freestanding mental health hospital that provides inpatient and outpatient services to adolescents (12+) and adults.