Expanded services exclusively serve teens ages 13 to 17

SHREVEPORT, La. – Louisiana Behavioral Health, a behavioral health provider focused on healing and long-term recovery, today announced the expansion of its inpatient program to include adolescents ages 13 to 17. The new service line will provide specialized mental health treatment for teens managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, behavioral changes, substance abuse or trauma at the hospitals 9320 Linwood Avenue campus.

Poor mental health has been a growing issue among adolescents in the U.S. for years, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40% of high school students report feeling so sad or hopeless that they couldn’t participate in their regular activities. There were also significant increases in number of youths who seriously considered suicide.

“Access to behavioral health services for adolescents continues to be a challenge across the country – particularly in Louisiana,” said Lee Edge, administrator at Louisiana Behavioral Health. “Mental Health America reports show more than 50% of adolescents in need of treatment for depression go without the care they need in our state. We hope by expanding our services to include specialized treatment for this underserved group we can help reduce this gap.”

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.

Louisiana Behavioral Health is a partnership between Oceans Healthcare and Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, two Louisiana-based providers leading the transformation of behavioral health care through evidence-based, patient-centered treatment. The hospital also offers inpatient, outpatient and partial hospitalization treatment options for adults, adolescents and seniors. For more information about Louisiana Behavioral Health, call (318) 644-8830.