Louisiana Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in Louisiana
Nearly 22% of Louisiana residents are living with a mental illness, according to the state’s Department of Health. These numbers are especially high among older adults.
Data from the CDC and the state census show that more than 20% of seniors in Louisiana suffer from depression. In addition, Louisiana seniors have more mentally unhealthy days each month than those from any other state, averaging 3.9 days of unease out of every 30.
To help serve this population, the Louisiana Department of Health created an Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS) division, designed to provide in-home and community-based services to support all aspects of mental and physical health for seniors.
22%
Louisiana residents living with a mental illness
20%
Louisiana seniors suffering from depression
Free Mental Health Resources in Louisiana
The website of the state NAMI organization provides a calendar of in-person and online support group meetings, mental health fact sheets, and links to resources. These include a list of state mental health facilities, information on Medicaid, housing, and post-incarceration re-entry support.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of New Orleans is a support group that meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at Tulane-Lakeside Hospital in Metarie. Occasional additional meetings, such as outdoor meetings, are scheduled when available and are posted in the calendar on the website. The resource section of website includes contacts for psychiatric clinics in New Orleans.
The Louisiana Mental Health Association (LAMHA) offers a peer-run drop-in program for people diagnosed with a chronic mental health issue. They provide education, art and wellness classes, and socialization opportunities. The drop-in center also provides opportunities for employment. Online mental health screenings are available on the website, as well as a newsletter and educational materials.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
Men
Women
Louisiana Trans Advocates provides support groups for trans, gay, and non-conforming individuals, families, and allies. On their website, you'll find links to groups, inclusive healthcare providers, a trans ally educational manual, and a Louisiana trans study report detailing experiences of adult transgender individuals in areas of employment, housing, health, and family experiences.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Website includes links to behavioral health providers, psychiatric facilities, hospitals, and a 988 crisis and suicide phone line. Information about Healthy Louisiana Medicaid, the state CHIP program for children, and a list of treatment programs for substance use disorders are also on the website, with links and contact information.
Metropolitan Human Services provides services for adults and children including psychiatric and mental health assessments, crisis intervention, case management, medication management, mental health and addiction counseling, and HIV and TB testing. They also provide support services such as assistance with transportation or housing, acquiring medical equipment and supplies, and obtaining respite care for caregivers.
The Baton Rouge Vet Center offers counseling for depression, anxiety, PTSD, military sexual trauma, couples therapy, grief/bereavement, and transition from military life. Talk therapy and recreational therapy, as well as yoga, mindfulness, TaiChi, and healthy living groups are also available here. They provide referrals for substance use treatment. Counseling scheduled Monday-Friday.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
Disability
LGBTQ+ Veteran Care is available through the US Department of Veterans Affairs. These services provide culturally competent and trauma-informed care to members of the LGBTQ community, caregivers, and their loved ones.
Provide Services for
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Veterans
This is a crisis phone line operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing crisis support and emotional support for individuals in distress, or for family members or friends who are concerned about the mental health or emotional distress of another individual. The helpline is accessible by phone, chat, or text.
Celebration Hope Center's counseling services include trauma counseling, grief counseling, and play therapy for children. Addiction counseling for alcohol, opioids, and smoking is available. Ambulatory detox is available when appropriate. Community programs are offered by trained facilitators to address drug and gambling prevention.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
Depression
PTSD
Grief
Substance Abuse
Domestic Violence
Children's Bureau of New Orleans offers weekly individual and group trauma therapy for children for three to nine months' duration. Treatment is delivered at schools, youth service organizations, or child advocacy centers. Crisis intervention services following a traumatic event are available to individuals, families, or schools. Crisis referrals are accepted from community organizations such as churches, schools, and emergency departments.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Disability
Depression
PTSD
Grief
Domestic Violence
Family Service of Greater New Orleans provides counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, domestic violence, and family-related issues. Specialized programs to address conflict resolution, PTSD in crime victims, anger management, and parenting skills are available. A 12-session diversion program is offered in lieu of incarceration for adults involved in first-time minor criminal offenses, with referrals accepted from prosecutors.
Eternal Crisis Outreach provides intensive outpatient treatment programs for individuals who do not require 24 hr. supervision or detox services. Treatment for addictions, eating disorders, depression, trauma, and other mental health issues is available. In addition, assessments, parenting classes, anger management groups, DUI classes, and case management services, including temporary housing assistance, are provided.
Provide Services for
Depression
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
Domestic Violence
Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge offers counseling services including mental health and substance abuse counseling that addresses a range of emotional, behavioral, and relationship issues. A 12-week domestic violence intervention program for perpetrators is available. Case management services include assistance with transportation, emergency financial assistance, and HIV testing and referrals.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
Men
Women
Disability
Depression
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
Domestic Violence
CrescentCare helps clients access primary care providers and behavioral health providers, dentists, and pediatric doctors for children. They can also connect you to LGBTQ health and wellness services including HIV and Hepatitis C care, other sexually transmitted infectious disease testing and treatment, and syringes and harm reduction supplies. They help with legal and housing support services.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women