Inpatient Services
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
- Physicians
- Psychologist
- 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.
Please call 504.822.6273 to register.
Admission process
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.
