Mental Health and Addiction

“The stigma attached to mental illness forces many to hide the severity of their symptoms or those of a loved one. Many stop coming to church due to the stigma. Stigma is the single greatest barrier to people getting effective treatment. Leaders of a parish, diocese, or other Catholic organizations can fight stigma by learning the signs of mental illness and reaching out to those living with the illness.”

Pastoral Response to Persons with Mental Illness (NCPD, 2019)

• "2-1-1"  Louisiana's information and referral phone and text line.  By dialing 2-1-1 or texting 898-211 you will be routed to a local contact center based upon your zip code.  You will speak to a live specialist who can assist with finding resources for things such as: behavioral health clinics, doctor's, food assistance, rental/housing assistance, utility assistance, and other community resources.

• "9-8-8"  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL).  By dialing 9-8-8 you will be routed to a local contact center and connected with a live specialist trained in emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention. 

• The Bridge Center For Hope  
  • 225-256-6604
  • 3455 Florida Blvd
    Baton Rouge, LA 70806
  • Regardless of income or insurance, no one is turned away at the Bridge Center for Hope.  Anyone experiencing a crisis is welcome, whether they walk in on their own, are escorted by loved ones, referred by a provider agency, or tranfferred by first reponders of law enforcement.  All forms of insurance accepted, and individuals without coverage will never be turned away.   

• Catholic Charities Behavioral Health Services

  • We provide high-quality, professional counseling offered by Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs). Fees based on a sliding scale or health insurance copay.

    • Individual, marriage and family counseling
    • Virtual appointments available
    • A number of health insurances accepted
    • Services available to people of all faiths

• O'Brien House Recovery Center
  • 225-344-6345
  • 446 North 12th Street 
    Baton Rouge,  LA 70802
  • 12 Step Recovery Residential Program & Extended Living Program for men and women.    

• Reality House | Residential Treatment to Women with Dependent Children
  • 225-343-343.8
  • 2056 North Blvd.
    Baton Rouge, LA 70802
  • Community based substance abuse programs for women with dependent children. This program accommodates 8 adult women who are substance abusers and their dependent children reach woman will have no more than 2 children living at the facility with them.) This program provides transitional services in a well structured and supervised setting to foster emotional growth, encourage sobriety, and teach new problem solving techniques which will lead to positive lifestyle changes. The main focus of the program will be to provide treatment to the adult population with attention given to the children in the program by providing day care services to children under 5 years of age. Mandatory school attendance will be required for children ages 5-13.
  • Services Include:
    • Individual Counseling (provided to mother and child)
    • Family Counseling (provided to mother and child)
    • Group Counseling (provided to mother and child)
    • Sexual/Physical Abuse Counseling
    • Nutritional Education
    • Spiritual Groups
    • Crisis Intervention Services
    • Substance Abuse Education
    • Relapse Prevention
    • Parenting Classes
    • Social Skills Training
    • Job Search / Job Placement
    • 12-Step Recovery Program