Inpatient Unit

Inpatient Behavioral Health Services

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 60 years, families in New Orleans, LA have trusted us with the proper care for their children and adolescents.

The unit accepts admission inquiries from any one of the following:

• The child’s family
• Psychiatrists
• Primary care physicians
• Mental health providers
• School counselors
• Case managers
• Probation officers throughout the region

During a hospital stay, your 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.

Please call 504.896.7200 to register.

Admission process

For admittance to the Behavioral Health Hospital, 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 get you the answers you need about your child or adolescent. We have worked with the community for six decades and have the team and equipment to ensure they get the treatments they need to improve their overall quality of life.

When referring a child to the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, please call the Transfer Center at 504.896.6673.