SC hospital for children with autism investigated for abuse, neglect, state officials say

A psychiatric hospital in Greenville County is under investigation by the South Carolina Department of Public Health over allegations of abuse and neglect of a patient.

Springbrook Behavioral Health System is a licensed hospital with 56 psychiatric beds and six substance abuse beds and is owned by Chestnut Hill Mental Health Center, the health department said.

The facility treats patients with autism, according to its website.

Mike Rowley, chief operating office of Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health, said in a statement the facility considers the safety, dignity and well-being of every patient its highest responsibility.

“We take any allegation involving patient safety seriously, and maintain rigorous clinical oversight, staff training and reporting protocols designed to protect patients and ensure accountability,” he said.

He said he has not received notice from the state that there was an allegation but has asked the Public Health Department for information.

“To date, DPH has not provided us with any information about this early-stage allegation. We also have not been notified by DPH of any pending investigation through standard channels. If and when we are contacted, we will cooperate fully and transparently.”

The autism program was developed in 2015 after officials saw a need for such a facility in the region. It was opened in 1982 as a 44-bed adult psychiatric hospital, then added a unit for teens a couple of years later and another for substance abuse in 2013.

“DPH is in receipt of a complaint alleging, among other things, patient abuse and neglect. DPH will investigate this complaint to determine compliance with applicable statutes and regulations,” the health department said in an email.

The agency will visit the facility, then issue a report with findings.

“When there is noncompliance with the licensing standards, hospitals are required to submit a plan of correction to DPH,” the agency email said. “DPH has authority to deny, suspend, or revoke licenses or assess a monetary penalty, or both, against a person or facility for violating applicable statutes or regulations. DPH does not comment on pending investigations.”

In 2025, health department investigators looked into care provided by about a dozen paramedics and EMTs as well as complaints about assisted living facilities, ambulance services and two midwives.

Above the Rest Residential Care Facility in Florence was issued an $8,000 penalty for low staffing and improper care for patients requiring emergency medical care.

Georgetown County Fire & EMS – Licensed Ambulance Agency allowed uncertified personnel to perform patient care and was penalized $300.

Cottonwood Villas in Bishopville was ordered to close after health inspectors found 30 code violations involving staffing, food, maintenance and safety.

The department inspected the facility eight times in 2025

The health department’s reports dating to 2006 are on its website.

This story was originally published February 14, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline "SC hospital for children with autism investigated for abuse, neglect, state officials say."