Pediatric Behavioral Health Services in New Orleans
The inpatient behavioral health services at the Children’s Hospital
New Orleans Behavioral Health Center consist of acute crisis management
for child and adolescent patients and their families. We offer a comprehensive
program, including a full psychiatric assessment by a board-certified
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. In addition, we provide daily therapeutic
programming, including art, music, and movement groups. In order to support
families through the acute crisis period, our medical staff offers family
meetings and assist with coordinating care and follow up appointments
at the time of discharge. For over 65 years, families across New Orleans
and Louisiana have trusted us with expert care for their children and
adolescents.
Our inpatient unit accepts admission inquiries from any one of the following:
Psychiatrists
Primary care physicians
Mental health providers
School counselors
Case managers
Probation officers throughout the region
Please note that admission inquiries must be from a referring provider
(physician) or referring facility staff member (counselor, etc.). Behavioral
Health admission requests should be sent by emailing
chnolaBHadmissions@lcmchealth.org or calling our Transfer Center directly at 855.CHNOLA1 or 855.246.6521.
During a hospital stay, each child will receive:
A multidisciplinary assessment
Individualized care plan
Evidence-based medication management
The individual, group, and family therapy
Music and recreational therapy
Ongoing, collaborative post-discharge planning from the first day of admission
Consultation with pediatric specialists as needed
How do inpatient services work?
The Children’s Hospital New Orleans Behavioral Health Center provides
a 51-bed inpatient unit servicing children ages 7-17. We provide acute
crisis management, a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, medication
management, and support families in obtaining appropriate outpatient services.
Hospitalization may be needed if the child exhibits behaviors that cannot
safely be managed or who are a potential danger to themselves or others.
The primary goal of hospitalization is to stabilize the crisis and teach
each child and family skills that can help following hospitalization,
preventing a future crisis.
Caregiver Support Group
Support groups are available every Tuesday (online) and Thursday (in-person)
from 3-4 pm. Online sessions are open to all families that can attend
via Zoom. In-person sessions are open to a maximum of 10 caregivers due
to capacity rules.
These sessions will give families an opportunity to discuss current hospitalization,
available mental health resources, successful parenting practices of children
with a mental illness, and helpful ways to prepare for transition out
of the hospitalization.
For admittance to the Behavioral Health Center, medical clearance is required
at either the Children’s Hospital New Orleans Emergency Department
or the nearest available emergency room. Our team is here to help families
get the answers they need about their child or adolescent, and to get
connected to the care and resources they need to improve their overall
quality of life.
