Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, October 18, 2025
Asha Vista Behavioral Institute
Asha Vista Behavioral Institute is a comprehensive mental health facility dedicated to providing compassionate and effective behavioral health services. Established in 2005, the institute was founded by a team of experienced professionals committed to improving lives through innovative therapeutic practices. Over the years, Asha Vista has expanded its offerings to include outpatient therapy, inpatient programs, and specialized services for children, adolescents, and adults. The institute prides itself on adopting evidence-based approaches and fostering a supportive environment for recovery and growth. With a history rooted in community engagement and clinical excellence, Asha Vista continues to be a trusted resource for mental health care in the region.
News Summary
Murrells Inlet residents are protesting a proposed psychiatric hospital by Asha Vista Behavioral Institute, which seeks a special exception to operate a 78-bed facility. Concerns include zoning laws and safety risks, leading to a unanimous rejection by the Horry County Zoning Board of Appeals. While local healthcare professionals support the initiative for increased mental health services, residents remain worried about the facility’s proximity to homes.
Legal Challenge Emerges as Murrells Inlet Residents Oppose Proposed Psychiatric Hospital
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina—Residents of Murrells Inlet are protesting a proposed psychiatric hospital aimed at serving adults with mental illnesses, as Asha Vista Behavioral Institute seeks to establish a 78-bed inpatient facility on U.S. Highway 707. The facility is designed to provide treatment for conditions such as major depression, mood disorders, PTSD, and anxiety.
Despite the intended benefits of increased mental health care, the Horry County Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously rejected Asha Vista’s request for a special exception to operate the hospital during a meeting on September 8. Concerns centered around zoning laws that mandate psychiatric facilities be located at least 2,000 feet away from residential areas, a requirement not met due to the nearby Oak Arbor and Springfield neighborhoods.
Asha Vista contends that the appeal for the zoning board’s decision is grounded in discriminatory practices and a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The provider operates two existing facilities in Massachusetts and aims to convert the site previously occupied by the former Hope Arbor Assisted Living Facility, which operated from 2015 to 2019, into its third location.
Nature of Care and Community Response
According to Asha Vista, the planned hospital would specifically focus on crisis stabilization, with patients typically receiving treatment for less than 10 days in a secure environment. Notably, the facility would not offer treatment for substance abuse, including patients with alcohol and drug addictions. At a public meeting, Asha Vista’s representative detailed the services that would be provided.
Support for the hospital has emerged from local healthcare professionals who underscore a growing necessity for accessible psychiatric care in both Horry and Georgetown counties. A letter from Dr. Winston McIver highlighted the urgent need for behavioral health services to support underserved communities in the region.
Conversely, residents expressed substantial fears regarding safety risks, voicing concerns about the potential for patients to commit crimes or pose threats to neighbors. Parents highlight worries about their children walking past the facility after school, particularly since it shares a single entrance with the local Oak Arbor neighborhood. This fear was a significant factor during the public hearings, where residents articulated their opposition to placing such a facility within a residential area.
Outcome of the Zoning Appeal
The Horry County Board of Zoning Appeals took into account public opposition and voiced concerns during their deliberations, leading to their unanimous decision against the proposed hospital. Residents regarded this decision as a collective victory for their community, affirming that such facilities should not be located close to residential homes.
In response to the zoning board’s ruling, the CEO of Asha Vista chose not to comment, and county officials typically refrain from discussing ongoing litigation. The situation remains tense as Asha Vista continues to pursue legal pathways concerning the rejection of their proposal.
FAQ
What is the proposal by Asha Vista Behavioral Institute?
Asha Vista Behavioral Institute wants to open a psychiatric hospital in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, aimed at caring for adults with mental illnesses.
What are the specifications of the proposed hospital?
The proposed facility is a 78-bed inpatient hospital located on U.S. Highway 707, intended to treat conditions such as major depression, mood disorders, PTSD, and anxiety.
What was the decision taken by the Horry County Zoning Board of Appeals?
The Horry County Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously rejected Asha Vista’s request for a special exception to operate the hospital on September 8.
Why was the special exception denied?
Zoning laws require psychiatric facilities to be at least 2,000 feet away from residential areas, which are nearby the proposed site.
What arguments did Asha Vista present after the denial?
Asha Vista argues that the county’s zoning policies are discriminatory and violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They have appealed the board’s decision.
What concerns do residents have regarding the hospital?
Residents express fears of safety risks, including concerns about patients committing crimes or harming neighbors, particularly concerning children walking past the facility after school.
What support exists for the proposed hospital?
Local healthcare professionals have expressed support for the hospital, citing a growing need for psychiatric care in Horry and Georgetown counties.
Key Features of the Proposed Psychiatric Hospital
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | U.S. Highway 707, Murrells Inlet, SC |
| Size | 78-bed inpatient hospital |
| Target Patients | Adults with mental illnesses, including major depression, mood disorders, PTSD, and anxiety |
| Regulatory Issues | Unanimous rejection by Horry County Zoning Board of Appeals due to proximity to residential areas |
| Average Stay | Less than 10 days |
| Substance Treatment | Will not treat patients with alcohol and drug addictions |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Psychiatric Hospital Proposal in Murrells Inlet
- WMBF News: Board Votes No on Psychiatric Hospital
- WBTW: Horry County Says No to Proposed Mental Health Hospital
- Google Search: Psychiatric Hospital Murrells Inlet
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
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