My Out Loud: A South Carolina Peer Support Program for Mental Health and Wellness

What My Out Loud Is and How It Works

My Out Loud is a peer-led mental health and wellness program based in South Carolina that connects people through shared experience and conversation. Rather than a clinical setting, the program brings together individuals who want to talk openly about mental health, life challenges, and recovery in a supportive group environment. Trained peer facilitators—people with lived experience of mental health conditions—lead sessions where participants can speak freely without judgment.

The program operates through regular meetings held at various locations across South Carolina. Sessions typically focus on themes like managing stress, building resilience, navigating relationships, and finding meaning during difficult times. Participants choose which sessions to attend based on topics that matter to them, and there is no requirement to commit to a set schedule or disclose personal details beyond what feels comfortable.

My Out Loud is designed to complement, not replace, professional mental health treatment. Many participants use it alongside therapy or medication, while others come because they want community connection around mental health without the clinical framework. The program is free to join, and new participants can start attending sessions at any time.

Key Takeaways

• My Out Loud brings together South Carolina residents in peer-led groups where people discuss mental health and wellness using their own lived experience rather than clinical training.
• Sessions are free, drop-in, and focused on specific topics like stress management, resilience, and recovery—participants choose which meetings fit their needs.
• Trained peer facilitators lead conversations, meaning the people running the group have personal experience with mental health challenges themselves.
• The program works best as part of a larger support system and does not replace therapy, medication, or crisis services.
• Locations and meeting times vary across South Carolina, so you will need to contact the program directly to find a session near you.

How to Find and Join a My Out Loud Session

To locate a My Out Loud meeting in your area, start by visiting the program's website or contacting their main office directly. They maintain a current list of active groups, meeting times, and locations across different regions of South Carolina. Some sessions meet in community centers, libraries, or nonprofit offices; others may be held virtually, especially for people in rural areas or those with transportation barriers.

When you arrive at your first session, introduce yourself to the facilitator and let them know you are new. There is no registration form or intake process—you simply show up. The facilitator will explain how the group works, what to expect, and answer any questions you have before the session begins. You are never required to share your story or speak during the meeting; listening is a valid way to participate.

Most groups ask participants to respect confidentiality—what is shared in the room stays in the room—and to listen without trying to fix or advise others. This creates a space where people feel safe being honest. If a particular group or topic does not feel right, you can try a different session without explanation.

What Happens During a My Out Loud Meeting

Sessions typically last one to two hours and follow a loose structure. The facilitator opens by introducing the topic for that day and may share a brief personal story or reflection related to it. Participants then take turns speaking if they wish, sharing their own experiences, challenges, or insights. The conversation stays focused on the theme but allows room for people to bring up what matters most to them.

Unlike a support group run by a therapist, My Out Loud meetings are peer-centered, meaning the facilitator is not diagnosing, treating, or directing people toward specific solutions. Instead, the value comes from hearing how others have faced similar struggles and from the simple act of being heard. Many people find that naming their experience out loud, in front of others who understand, reduces isolation and builds hope.

Sessions end with time for informal connection—some groups share contact information or make plans to grab coffee afterward. This social element is part of the healing, as many participants build friendships and accountability partnerships through the program.

Who Runs My Out Loud and What Training They Have

My Out Loud is facilitated by trained peers—individuals who have personal experience with mental health conditions and have completed the program's facilitator training. This is different from a therapist or counselor, who has a clinical degree. Peer facilitators bring credibility and understanding that comes from having lived through similar challenges themselves.

The program provides training to people interested in becoming facilitators, covering topics like active listening, boundary-setting, recognizing when someone may need crisis support, and how to hold space for difficult emotions without trying to solve them. This training ensures facilitators can create a safe environment while staying within the limits of peer support.

Because facilitators have lived experience, they often model recovery and resilience in a way that feels real and achievable to participants. Seeing someone who has struggled with depression, anxiety, or trauma and is now helping others can shift a person's sense of what is possible for themselves.

When My Out Loud Is Right for You

My Out Loud works well if you want community around mental health without the clinical setting of therapy. It is useful if you are already in treatment and want additional support between appointments, or if you are exploring mental health topics but are not ready to see a therapist. The program is also valuable for people who have been in recovery for a while and want to give back by connecting with others on similar journeys.

The program is not a substitute for crisis intervention, emergency psychiatric care, or ongoing therapy for serious mental illness. If you are having thoughts of suicide, experiencing a mental health emergency, or in an unsafe situation, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) or go to your nearest emergency room instead.

My Out Loud is also not a replacement for medication or medical treatment. Many participants take medication and attend therapy while also coming to peer support groups. The two work together, not against each other.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

You do not need to bring anything to a My Out Loud session—no paperwork, no insurance card, no list of symptoms. Come as you are. Some people bring a notebook to jot down thoughts or resources shared during the meeting, but this is optional.

Before your first session, it can help to think about what you hope to get out of peer support. Are you looking for connection? Information about managing a specific challenge? A space to be heard? Having a loose sense of your own needs makes it easier to decide which sessions to attend and what to take away from them.

Wear or bring something comfortable. Meetings are informal, and the environment is designed to feel welcoming and low-pressure. If you have questions about accessibility—parking, wheelchair access, childcare, or virtual options—contact the program ahead of time.

How My Out Loud Fits Into Your Larger Mental Health Plan

Think of My Out Loud as one part of a larger support system. If you are working with a therapist, you might mention to them that you are attending peer support groups—many therapists see this as a positive addition to treatment. If you are taking medication, peer support does not interfere with that. If you are in recovery from substance use, many My Out Loud participants are also engaged in recovery programs like AA or NA, and the two complement each other.

The program can also help you figure out what kind of professional support might be useful. Hearing others talk about their therapy experiences, medication journeys, or how they found the right provider can give you ideas about next steps if you need them.

Over time, some people move from attending sessions regularly to facilitating them, or they step back when their needs change. My Out Loud is flexible enough to grow with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to talk about my personal mental health history to join?

No. You can attend sessions and listen without sharing anything about yourself. Many people sit quietly for several meetings before they feel comfortable speaking. There is no pressure to disclose, and the group respects whatever level of participation feels right for you.

Is My Out Loud the same as therapy?

No. Therapy involves a trained clinician who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions. My Out Loud is peer support—people with lived experience talking together. It is a valuable complement to therapy but not a replacement for it.

What if I am in crisis or having thoughts of suicide?

My Out Loud is not equipped to handle mental health crises. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For crisis support, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also text "HELLO" to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

How do I find out where and when sessions meet near me?

Contact My Out Loud directly through their website or phone line to get a current list of meeting locations, times, and topics. Session schedules can change, so calling ahead ensures you have accurate information before you go.

Can I attend multiple groups or try different sessions?

Yes. Many participants attend different sessions based on the topic or their schedule. You can try several groups to find the one that feels like the best fit, or attend multiple groups regularly if that works for you.