Behavioral health provider expands treatment options for ages 12-17

ALEXANDRIA, La. – Oceans Behavioral Hospital Alexandria, a behavioral health provider focused on healing and long-term recovery, today announced the opening of its Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adolescents ages 12-17. The program will provide specialized mental health treatment to young people managing depression, anxiety, substance use disorder and other behavioral health challenges.

The new program comes during a time of great need as Louisiana is ranked No. 42 in the nation for youth mental health, according to the 2023 Mental Health America report. This indicates a higher prevalence of mental health challenges with lower rates of access to treatment compared to other states. Recognizing this sobering statistic, Oceans Behavioral Hospital Alexandria is working to expand care options in the community.

“We believe high-quality mental health care isn’t limited to the inpatient setting,” said Alayna Rougeau, IOP director of Oceans Behavioral Hospital Alexandria. “By expanding access to flexible treatment options, we hope we can help more adolescents and their families prioritize mental wellness without fear of disrupting important, ongoing social and educational routines.”

Overseen by board-certified or board-eligible psychiatrists, the program will offer individual, family and group therapy options and tools to support ongoing symptom management and overall well-being. Session times will be tailored to patients’ academic and personal schedules.

Oceans Behavioral Hospital Alexandria’s adolescent treatment program currently offers sessions Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The hospital also provides inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment to adults and seniors.

For hospital admissions criteria or referrals, please call (318) 443-8547.