In response to increasing demands for mental health services, Louisiana has improved access through a partnership between Ochsner LSU Health and Oceans Healthcare. Launched in 2021, this collaboration has established the Louisiana Behavioral Health initiative, which provides both inpatient and outpatient care tailored to meet the diverse needs of the community.
Located in Shreveport, the facility managed by Oceans Healthcare features an 89-bed inpatient unit that caters to various age groups, including adolescents aged 13 to 17, older adults aged 55 and up, and adults of all other ages. This specialized approach allows Ochsner LSU Health physicians to offer targeted treatment programs that address the unique challenges faced by each demographic.
“Our inpatient hospital serves as a crisis stabilization facility for individuals needing immediate care, with specialized programming for each population,” stated Lee Edge, administrator at Louisiana Behavioral Health. “We offer a full continuum of care that includes partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programming. All of our services have been well-received by the community. We work closely with local hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, individual practitioners, employers, schools, and many other entities. We are committed to reaching those in crisis and ensuring they receive the care they need.”
Comprehensive Treatment Options
Cady Pruitt, director of clinical services at Louisiana Behavioral Health, highlighted the variety of mental health conditions treated at the facility, which can differ significantly based on patient age. “We see several adolescents with self-harming behaviors, including acute suicidal behaviors,” Pruitt noted. “In the geriatric area, we see many individuals in the early stages of developing dementia or those exhibiting personality changes or psychosis. Among the general adult population, substance use disorders are prevalent, often alongside co-occurring issues like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorders.”
Upon arrival, patients undergo a comprehensive assessment conducted by a registered nurse, evaluating physical health, signs of abuse or neglect, and mental health history. Following this, a psychiatric evaluation is performed, and the treatment team develops a tailored care plan. Key services include medication management, group therapy, and family involvement to address ongoing conflicts.
“We aim to guide patients through the crisis that brought them here and provide a safe environment,” Pruitt explained. “It’s also essential for us to equip individuals with resources that prepare them to face challenges post-discharge. Our recreational therapy department integrates patients’ hobbies and interests into their treatment and discharge planning, utilizing best practices to facilitate their transition back into the community.”
Meeting Growing Needs
Despite being operational for just three years, the hospital has consistently expanded its services to fill critical gaps in mental health resources and alleviate the burden on emergency departments. Louisiana Behavioral Health accepts various insurance plans and operates as a Medicaid application site to ensure all patients have access to outpatient care, promoting long-term stability and reducing the likelihood of future emergencies.
“In the post-COVID world, we’ve definitely observed an increase in depression, isolation, and anxiety among individuals, largely due to the uncertainty we’ve all experienced,” Pruitt stated. “The need for services surged in 2021 and 2022, coinciding with a national dialogue emphasizing the importance of mental health. As the world gradually returns to normal, there’s a greater acceptance of mental health services than there was just four years ago.”
A Collaborative Mission
The partnership between Oceans Healthcare and Ochsner LSU Health has proven mutually beneficial, with both organizations aligned in their mission to enhance community and patient care. “Their mission aligns with ours regarding community and patient care. They are an incredible group of professionals,” Edge remarked. “We benefit from the oversight provided by their internal medicine team, which collaborates as part of our treatment. Ochsner is highly regarded throughout the South and beyond, and we take pride in our partnership with them. The compassion and professionalism they exhibit daily are commendable.”
By continuing to develop its services and address the mental health needs of Louisiana residents, Louisiana Behavioral Health plays a vital role in promoting overall community well-being and providing essential support during times of crisis.
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