Adolescent Mental Health & Addiction Programs

Adolescents who are experiencing symptoms of a variety of mental health concerns can receive comprehensive inpatient care at River Place Behavioral Health. Our specialized unit provides age-appropriate programming for adolescents ages 13-17. 

What We Treat

Located in LaPlace, Louisiana, just 30 miles west of New Orleans, River Place Behavioral Health offers compassionate care for adolescents who are struggling with major depressive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more.  

To be admitted to our adolescent program, young people must have a primary diagnosis of a mental health concern. We also provide co-occurring treatment for substance use disorders, but that must be a secondary diagnosis. 

 Adolescents may enter this program directly or after completing another level of care. Most of our patients are admitted from outside emergency rooms. 

The average length of stay in our adolescent inpatient program is seven to 10 days, though that varies depending on a child’s individual needs, goals, and progress during treatment. Each adolescent benefits from a personalized treatment plan, evidence-based care, and a safe and supportive environment. 

Services We Offer

We offer developmentally appropriate programming that meets the specific needs of adolescents ages 13-17. Our inpatient care includes a variety of treatment modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, activities therapy, and 12-Step programming. 

The expert treatment team at our facility in LaPlace, Louisiana, near New Orleans personalizes each adolescent’s care plan based on a comprehensive assessment of their medical and treatment history. Their initial plan may include a variety of individual, family, and group therapies, along with basic medical care and medication management services. 

Nurse practitioners and a family practice physician are able to deliver medical care on a daily basis or as needed for follow-up services. Interventions they may provide include first aid, CPR, electrocardiograms, and diabetes monitoring. 

Adolescents may also receive medication management services during their time with us. This may include daily or as-needed visits with a psychiatrist or other provider. We have a staff of esteemed physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses who may monitor and administer patient medication. 

For patients who are struggling with a co-occurring substance use disorder, River Place Behavioral Health also offers detoxification services, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Our detox team includes psychiatrists, family practice physicians, nurse practitioners, and addiction medicine specialists. Adolescents spend an average of two to five days in detox and can attend therapeutic programming, if possible, during this time. 

Our Therapeutic Programming

Young people who participate in our adolescent program benefit from a personalized treatment plan, but all patients take part in some common elements during their time at our facility in LaPlace, Louisiana. 

Social services workers lead weekly individual and family sessions, but the primary therapeutic element in our adolescent program is group therapy. Our adolescent patients may participate in three to four clinical groups daily, plus educational groups. 

Some of the groups we offer include: 

  • Recreational therapy 
  • Nursing 
  • Psychoeducation 
  • Leisure activities 

 Topics in these groups may include, but are not limited to: 

  • Healthy coping mechanisms 
  • Triggers 
  • Addiction 
  • Relapse prevention 
  • Communication 
  • Mood improvement 
  • Behavioral changes strategies 
  • Development of life skills 

Aftercare Planning

The goal of our adolescent program is to help each child recognize and work on developing their inherent strengths to gain a foothold in recovery. By making progress throughout their time with us, adolescents have a much better chance of making a successful transition home.  

The recovery process doesn’t end once an adolescent is discharged from our facility near New Orleans, Louisiana. We begin developing a thorough aftercare plan during the admissions process, preparing the adolescent, their family, and other members of their support network to maintain their progress long after they leave. 

These discharge plans may include professional services and community-based resources. We customize each plan to make sure that we empower each child to best manage their symptoms and lead a happy, successful life. 

Our Joint Commission accreditation shows our focus on quality care.