St. Charles Parish Hospital held a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday for its Intensive Outpatient Program Center for behavioral health services, located at 150 Hall St. in Luling.
The center offers treatment for adults experiencing mental health challenges or substance use disorders who require more support than traditional outpatient care but do not require hospitalization.
The center includes two treatment tracks: a mental wellness program for conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and a recovery program for individuals seeking treatment for alcohol or drug use, including opioids. The program will employ a multidisciplinary team that includes psychiatrists, social workers, counselors and nursing staff.
Rebecca Melanson, a spokesperson for the hospital, said nearly one in five adults experience mental illness annually and many individuals face barriers to treatment. The center is expected to serve hundreds of patients annually.
“Our hospital recognized the need for a program that provides structured, science-based care for mental health and substance use challenges,” Melanson said.
The center includes shared spaces for group therapy, individual counseling rooms, and an outdoor area for therapeutic and social activities. The center offers a variety of treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, relapse prevention and other therapeutic interventions designed to improve long-term health and well-being.
“The center’s layout fosters a sense of community and connection, which is essential for recovery and mental wellness,” Melanson said. “By offering transportation and accepting a wide range of insurance plans, the program significantly improves access to behavioral health services for residents in the region.”
The center accepts Medicaid, Medicare and commercial insurance, and offers transportation within a 25-to-30-mile radius. Residents can contact the center directly by calling 985-785-3600, or be referred by their physician/APP, social worker or other programs.
Over the past 11 years, the St. Charles Parish Hospital has grown from serving approximately 1,800 patients annually to more than 21,000 and has expanded from four physicians to 47 physicians and advanced practice providers. The hospital has also added new services, including oncology, infusion, pediatrics and neurology.
Today, St. Charles Parish Hospital includes 59 beds and approximately 500 team members. Last year, the hospital provided $784,000 in subsidized health services, invested $5.7 million in capital improvements and hosted 35 community outreach events.