LAKE CHARLES, La. – Oceans Behavioral Hospital – Lake Charles, 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 for young people managing depression, anxiety, substance use disorder and other behavioral health challenges.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and many adolescents are experiencing poor mental health nationwide. The latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found 40% of high school students in 2023 felt so sad or hopeless they stopped doing their usual activities.
Many young people in crisis are unsure where to turn for help. In Louisiana, nearly 39% of youth living with major depression went untreated in the past year, according to the 2024 Mental Health America report. Recognizing the stark need for high-quality, accessible care, Oceans’ new program will offer convenient treatment options for teens.
“Mental health care isn’t one-size-fits-all, and we believe a variety of factors determine the best treatment option for each individual, including age and stage of life,” said Marcell Gary, outpatient director of Oceans Behavioral Hospital Lake Charles. “Our outpatient program allows children and teens to maintain their normal routines while prioritizing healing and building a foundation for ongoing well-being.”
Overseen by board-certified or board-eligible psychiatrists, the program will offer group, individual and family therapy options and tools to support ongoing symptom management and overall well-being.
Oceans Behavioral Hospital Lake Charles’ adolescent outpatient treatment program currently offers sessions Monday through Thursday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. to accommodate patients’ academic and personal schedules. The hospital also provides inpatient behavioral health treatment options for adults and seniors 18 and older.
For hospital admissions criteria or referrals, please call (337) 474-7581 option 2
