Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Behavioral Health

The Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Behavioral Health (OBH), based in Baton Rouge, serves as the central authority for mental health and substance use services across the state. Located at 628 North 4th Street, OBH provides comprehensive oversight, resources, and direct care services to support the emotional and psychological well-being of Louisiana residents.

OBH plays a crucial role in managing and coordinating statewide behavioral health systems, ensuring access to high-quality care for individuals experiencing mental illness, emotional distress, substance use disorders, and stress-related physical conditions. Through partnerships with Medicaid’s Healthy Louisiana Behavioral Health managed care plans and the children's Coordinated System of Care (CSoC), OBH ensures that both youth and adults receive appropriate and effective support.

The Office of Behavioral Health works collaboratively with Local Governing Entities (LGEs) to deliver community-based treatment programs and residential services, including direct care through state-run facilities such as Central Louisiana State Hospital (CLSH) in Pineville and the Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System (ELMHS) in Jackson. These services are available to all residents, including those who are insured, underinsured, uninsured, or Medicaid-eligible.

OBH’s mission is grounded in promoting recovery, improving quality of life, and ensuring access to essential behavioral health services for all Louisianans. Whether through prevention programs, inpatient psychiatric care, or outpatient community services, the Louisiana Department of Health stands as a statewide leader in behavioral health advocacy and service delivery.