New service line exclusively to serve adolescents ages 13 to 17

SHREVEPORT, La. – Louisiana Behavioral Health, a behavioral health provider focused on healing and long-term recovery, today announced the addition of an Intensive Outpatient Program for adolescents ages 13 to 17. This new service line will provide specialized mental health treatment exclusively for young people managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, behavioral changes, substance abuse or trauma at the campus located at 9320 Linwood Avenue, Building B.

Poor mental health has been prominent among adolescents in the U.S. during the 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.

“Lack of access to quality behavioral health services is a challenge nationwide and has had a resounding impact in our state. More than 50% of adolescents in need of treatment for depression go without the care they need in Louisiana,” said Lee Edge, administrator at Louisiana Behavioral Health. “We hope by expanding our services to adolescents, a population that has experienced significant emotional distress over the last three years, 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. Session times will be tailored to patients’ academic and personal schedules, allowing teens to prioritize mental health needs while maintaining their routines. With a strong emphasis on providing whole-person care, the unit boasts a gymnasium to encourage exercise and physical health.

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 and seniors. For more information about Louisiana Behavioral Health, call (318) 644-8830.