Office of Behavioral Health | Louisiana Department of Health

Office of Behavioral Health | Louisiana Department of Health
Office of Behavioral Health
Offices & Administration
Divisions
Office of Behavioral Health
The Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) manages and delivers the services and supports necessary to improve the quality of life for residents with mental illness and addictive disorders.
The agency acts as monitors and subject matter consultants for the children's Coordinated System of Care program and the Medicaid Healthy Louisiana managed care plans, which manage behavioral health services.  OBH also delivers direct care through hospitalization and has oversight of behavioral health community-based treatment programs through the human services districts and authorities. Services are provided for Medicaid and non-Medicaid eligible populations.
OBH was created by
Act 384 of the 2009 Legislative Session
, which directed the consolidation of the offices of addictive disorders and mental health into the Office of Behavioral Health, effective July 1, 2010, to streamline services and better address the needs of people with co-occurring mental illness and addictive disorders. LDH's work in implementing Act 384 was guided by stakeholders and leaders in the behavioral health field from across Louisiana who sat on the Department's Office of Behavioral Health Implementation Advisory Committee.
Human Services Districts/Authorities (LGEs)
Crisis Response Resources
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Mission
The mission of the Office of Behavioral Health is to work collaboratively with partners to develop and implement a comprehensive integrated system of behavioral health and health care, social supports, and prevention services that promote recovery and resilience for all residents of Louisiana. OBH assures public behavioral health services are accessible, family-driven, have a positive impact, are culturally and clinically competent, and are delivered in partnership with all stakeholders.
Vision
People can and do recover from mental illness and addictive disorders. Through the delivery of timely and person-centered, clinically effective behavioral health and health care and supports, residents of Louisiana will experience positive behavioral health outcomes and contribute meaningfully to our state's growth and development.
Guiding Principles
This office aims to make a difference in the lives of adults and children in Louisiana.
People who receive proper care and a supportive environment can recover from mental illness and addiction.
OBH services respond to the needs of individuals, families, and communities, including culturally and linguistically diverse services. The office respects the dignity of individuals, families, communities, and the workforce that serves them.
Individuals, families, and communities will be welcomed into the system of services and supports with a "no wrong door" approach.
Through a cooperative spirit of partnerships and collaborations, the needs of individuals, families, and communities will be met by a workforce that is ethical, competent, and committed to the welfare of the people it serves.
OBH will utilize the unique skills of professionals with appropriate competencies, credentials, and certifications.
Mental illness and addiction are health care issues and must be seamlessly integrated into a comprehensive physical and behavioral health care system that includes primary care settings.
Many OBH service recipients experience both mental illness and addiction. As the office provides care, the staff must understand, identify, and treat both illnesses as primary conditions. This system of care will be easily accessible and comprehensive, and will fully integrate a continuum of prevention and treatment services to all age groups. It will be designed to be evidence-based, responsive to changing needs, and built on a foundation of continuous quality improvement.
OBH will measure results to demonstrate both improved outcomes for the people served and fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.
OBH will prioritize de-stigmatizing historical biases and prejudices against people with mental illness and substance use disorders, and those who provide services, through efforts to increase access to treatment. The office will do this by reducing financial barriers, addressing provider bias, integrating care, and increasing the willingness and ability of individuals to seek and receive treatment.
Services
Louisiana 988
The Louisiana 988 helpline directs Louisiana residents to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress — whether that is thoughts of suicide, anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed, dealing with a substance use issue/crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also contact 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need emotional support.

The helpline provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
988 Website
988 Information and Dashboard
Louisiana Spirit Crisis Counseling Program
The Louisiana Spirit Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) is recognized for its delivery of crisis counseling and stress management services that have supported Louisiana residents since Hurricane Katrina (2005). The program’s model offers a non-clinical approach utilizing program staff who conduct outreach services that target populations most vulnerable to the effects of disaster (weather and pandemic) related incidents.
Opioid Help Louisiana
Opioid Help Louisiana connects you, or someone you know to help needed to overcome opioid use disorder (OUD), including local recovery resources, information on safe disposal and storage of drugs, and a guide to opioid alternatives.
Leadership
Holly Howat
Assistant Secretary
Amanda Joyner
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Robyn McDermott
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Quinetta Womack
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Dr. Vanessa de la Cruz
Medical Director
Louisiana Behavioral Health Advisory Council
Melanie Roberts, MS
LBHAC Liaison
225-892-2329
(LBHAC Inquiries Only)
[email protected]
George Mills
LBHAC Chair
[email protected]
Catherine Peay
Block Grant State Planner
225-342-7945
(LBHAC Inquiries Only)
[email protected]
Donna Schaitel
LBHAC Support Staff
225-291-6262
(LBHAC Inquiries Only)
[email protected]
Contact
Contact the Office of Behavioral Health
225-342-2540
Online
News
Apr 20, 2026
Governor Landry, LDH Secretary Greenstein encourage residents to seek emotional support after Shreveport shooting
Feb 12, 2026
LDH launches Project M.O.M.'s inaugural catalyst site hospitals
Jan 07, 2026
LDH to share progress and priorities at inaugural Annual Shareholder Meeting
More News
Resources
2023 CSoC Annual Report
2023 Quality Program Description
2023 Quality Program Evaluation
2023 Provider Detail Report
2023 Provider Type Report
Appendix I
Appendix II
Appendix III
Appendix IV
Appendix V
Appendix VI
Appendix VII
Appendix VIII
Appendix IX
Appendix X
Quick Guide to SCCS Forms
Notice of Privacy Practices
Authorization to Obtain/Release information
Item by item instructions for Child & Adolescent Interview
Adult Interview for Specialized Services
Item by item instructions for Adult Interview
SCCS Contact Log
Item by item instructions for Contact Log
RLC Indirect Services Log
SCCS Worksheet
SCCS Log of Recipient Numbers
Mental Health Forms
Listing of available Mental Health Law Forms
OBH 1 Physician's Emergency Certificate
OBH 13 Notification to Family of Emergency Certificate
OBH 14 Request for Release-Formal Voluntary Admisison
OBH 143 Physician's Certificate for Minors (2 pages)
OBH 15 Discharge Procedures (2 pages)
OBH 16 Rights of Patient (2 pages)
OBH 16A Rights of Minor Patients (2 pages)
OBH 19 Request for Protective Custody
OBH 1A Psychologist's Emergency Certificate
OBH 2 Coroner's Emergency Certificate
OBH 20 Order for Protective Custody
OBH 4 Acknowledgement of Notification of Rights
OBH 6 Transfer
OBH 7 Formal Voluntary Admission
OBH 8 Non-Contested Admission
OBH 9 Physician's Report to Court
OBH 10 Petition for Judicial Commitment Non Legal
OBH 11 Petition for Judicial Commitment Hospital Facility
More Resources
Quick Links
2026-2027 DRAFT Block Grant Application
FY25 Mini Block Grant Application
FY24-25 Block Grant Application-Final
Click
here
to submit comments related to current Block Grant Application
Surgeon General
Evelyn Griffin, MD
Secretary
Bruce D. Greenstein
Cicero Government