Like many places in the United States, Louisiana is dealing with mental health challenges. An estimated 650,000 adults and 245,000 children in the state have a diagnosable mental illness.
That means nearly 1 in 5 people in Louisiana experience a mental health issue each year.
Compared to the national average, Louisiana has a higher percentage of adults reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression.
In February 2023, 39.1% of Louisiana adults reported these symptoms, compared to 32.3% nationally. The COVID-19 pandemic likely plays a part in this increase.
However, Louisiana has also seen an increase in mental health hospitals and treatment facilities, providing various services to help individuals with mental health disorders.
The state offers a range of mental health treatments, from crisis support to long-term therapy.
In this article, we’ll explore the different mental health hospitals in Louisiana and highlight some of the top mental health professionals in the state.
We’ll also discuss the inpatient and outpatient facilities offered by these hospitals, explaining what these services involve.
Best Mental Health Hospitals in Louisiana
1. Covington Behavioral Health Hospital
Covington Behavioral Health Hospital, located in Covington, Louisiana, focuses on helping adult men and women dealing with serious mental health issues.
They offer different services, like inpatient psychiatric treatment for teenagers and adults with urgent mental health symptoms, as well as outpatient mental health services for adults.
Their approach to treatment focuses on giving personalized care and involves a team of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, nurses, and social workers.
Their main service is short-term inpatient psychiatric stabilization, which usually lasts about 7-10 days.
During this time, patients get 24/7 supervision while staying at the hospital.
They also offer a telehealth program and virtual visits for patients in their inpatient programs.
Their treatment covers various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, detox, substance use, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
They understand how important family is and provide support to patients’ loved ones.
2. Regions Behavioral Health Hospital
Regions Behavioral Health Hospital, situated in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is renowned for its specialized care for adults with mental health concerns.
They offer both inpatient and outpatient programs tailored to the needs of each individual.
Their treatment approach typically includes a combination of therapy sessions, alternative therapies, support groups, and medication management.
The hospital also provides Dual Diagnosis Treatment for those dealing with both mental health issues and substance abuse disorders.
Patients receive comprehensive education about their mental health conditions and learn effective coping mechanisms, stress management techniques, and strategies to prevent relapse.
In times of psychiatric crises or emergencies, Regions Behavioral Health Hospital steps in promptly, offering immediate assessment and intervention for individuals experiencing acute distress.
3. Central Louisiana State Hospital
Central Louisiana State Hospital (CLSH) is a psychiatric hospital in Pineville, Louisiana, that’s operated by the state.
They specialize in providing inpatient mental health care for adults who live in Louisiana and require these services. The length of stay can vary depending on what each person needs.
With 148 beds available, CLSH oversees the waiting list for their own facility as well as the Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System (ELMHS).
Their team includes certified psychiatrists and other health professionals who offer psychiatric services.
CLSH likely treats a range of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
They typically conduct mental health assessments to decide if inpatient treatment at CLSH is the best option for each person.
Their nursing care is tailored to each individual’s treatment plan. They also provide Medication Management and offer therapy sessions, both one-on-one and in groups.
They offer additional services such as nutritional counselling, dental care, and pastoral care.
After leaving CLSH, they work with patients and their families to create a plan for continued support and care.
They might also provide extra help like social work to connect patients with community resources.
4. Louisiana Behavioral Health
Louisiana Behavioral Health helps people dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues.
They offer inpatient services for teenagers, adults, and seniors who are facing ongoing conditions like schizophrenia, mood disorders, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, or other mental health problems, including those with dual diagnoses.
This hospital is a collaboration between Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport and Oceans Healthcare, and they’re dedicated to providing behavioral healthcare services in Louisiana.
Their services include inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs.
Their acute-care facility provides intensive treatment tailored to each patient’s needs after a thorough assessment.
They have treatment programs designed specifically for adults and seniors, understanding the unique needs of each age group.
Their focus is on evidence-based and patient-centered treatment, making sure each program is customized to fit the individual’s needs.
5. River Place Behavioral Health Hospital
River Place Behavioral Health Hospital is a top-quality facility that specializes in providing care for adults who need to stay in the hospital.
They focus on helping people who are struggling with mental health issues by providing support around the clock.
Their main goal is to help patients become stable in the short term, so they can either go back home safely or move to a less intense care setting.
They use different types of therapy to help adults who need more structured treatment than what they can get through regular outpatient services.
Their inpatient services include medical care, managing medications, hands-on therapies, detoxification if needed, and counseling sessions with groups, families, and individuals.
In group therapy, they cover a range of topics related to mental health like setting goals, learning how to cope with stress, building relationships, and boosting self-confidence.
In the adult Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), patients usually have therapy sessions for three hours a day, three days a week, for about three months.
Want to know more about mental health hospitals, check these out:
- Top 4 Mental Health Hospitals in California
- 5 Best Mental Health Hospitals in Las Vegas Nevada
- Mental Health Hospitals in Mississippi: Top 7 Hospitals
Top Mental Health Doctors & Professionals in Louisiana
1. Torres Psychiatry
Torres Psychiatry is led by a board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner who offers therapy and medication management for both adolescents and adults.
Specializing in treating depression, ADHD, and trauma disorders, Torres Psychiatry also provides therapy and medication management services through telehealth for added convenience.
To schedule an appointment, simply contact Torres Psychiatry at (985) 336-2143.
2. Dr. David Buttross
Patients highly recommend Dr David Buttross, a psychiatrist in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He is connected with Christus Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital Southwest Louisiana.
He earned his medical degree from the LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport and has been practicing for over 20 years.
Dr. Buttross specializes in treating bipolar disorder, depression, non-Alzheimer’s dementia, and more. You can explore all areas of his expertise.
3. Helen Ajala
Helen Ajala is a highly qualified nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree. She’s certified in family practice, psychiatry, and mental health.
With more than 35 years of experience, she’s got a ton of know-how in healthcare. Helen believes in putting patients first and tailoring care to each person’s needs.
She offers a mix of regular medical care and mental health support for both kids and grown-ups.
Helen helps people with mental health issues at all stages of life, whether they’re in the hospital or visiting a clinic.
4. Dr. Chenhang Zou
Dr. Chenhang Zou is a psychiatrist certified by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. She combines medical expertise with therapy skills to help you.
She trained at Emory and Alabama and is skilled in using both medication and therapy, like CBT, to treat mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.
Dr. Zou is especially interested in cultural psychiatry and enjoys working with patients from diverse backgrounds. With her, you can expect a personalized and caring approach tailored just for you.
Types of Mental Health Issues Treated in Louisiana
Louisiana’s behavioral health clinics provide a wide range of support for both adults and children dealing with serious mental health issues or emotional struggles.
They cover common conditions like major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and ADHD.
ADHD affects many kids and adults, causing problems like being easily distracted, hyperactivity, and acting impulsively.
These clinics also help people with eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Eating disorders can seriously harm both physical and mental health.
Kids and teens with behavioral problems can get help too, with special programs just for them.
It’s important to note that even emergencies involving mental health are taken seriously, with urgent care services available.
This shows that everyone’s mental well-being is a priority in Louisiana.
FAQ’s:
Does Louisiana have a state mental hospital?
Yes, Louisiana does have state mental hospitals.
These hospitals provide care and treatment for people dealing with severe mental health issues.
What percentage of people in Louisiana have a mental illness?
From February 1 to 13, 2023, 39.1% of adults in Louisiana reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder.
In comparison, 32.3% of adults across the United States reported similar symptoms during the same period.
How long can a mental hospital keep you in Louisiana?
The length of time someone can stay in a mental hospital in Louisiana can vary depending on their individual needs and the severity of their condition.
Generally, it’s determined by doctors and mental health professionals who assess the person’s progress and decide when it’s safe for them to leave.
