The journey to mental wellness affects every neighborhood in New Orleans. From anxiety and depression to substance use challenges, our community members face complex behavioral health needs that deserve understanding, support, and professional care.
The City of New Orleans is committed to breaking down barriers to mental healthcare. We believe everyone deserves access to quality treatment, understanding support, and the resources needed to thrive. Through innovative programs, community partnerships, and accessible services, we're building a stronger, more responsive behavioral health system that meets our residents where they are.
Mental Health and Substance Use Outpatient Wait Time Dashboard
Explore local resources such as therapy options and wait times visits with behavioral health prescribers using our new dashboard, created in partnership with VIA LINK.
Mental Health and Substance Use Outpatient Wait Time Dashboard
Partnerships for Community Health
Sobering Center
The City partners with Odyssey House Louisiana to operate a 25-bed facility near the French Quarter. This center provides a safe environment for intoxicated individuals while connecting them to long-term recovery services.
Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT)
This court-mandated psychiatric treatment program operates through Civil District Court and Healing Minds NOLA. AOT provides treatment for cases where voluntary approaches have failed, with annual funding from the city.
Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD)
Operating in NOPD's 8th District, LEAD diverts non-violent offenders with mental illness or substance use issues to case management instead of arrest. NAMI New Orleans manages this program.
Naloxone Distribution
Free naloxone is available at four NOFD stations: Magazine Street, Decatur Street, Read Boulevard, and General DeGaulle Drive. EMS teams also distribute naloxone during community outreach.
Help Access
Getting help for behavioral health challenges can be confusing. Here are a few suggestions if you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness, substance use disorder (aka addiction), or other behavioral health issues:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
VIA LINK provides information, referrals, training, and crisis intervention to people, organizations, and communities so they can help themselves and others. VIA LINK can be reached by dialing 211. vialink.org
Metropolitan Human Services District (MHSD) serves uninsured or Medicaid-eligible individuals suffering from mental illness or addiction. They can be reached at (504) 568-3130. MHSD also operates a 24-hour crisis line at (504) 826-2675. mhsdla.org
CrescentCare is a local leader in harm reduction, and provides a wide array of services, including those addressing behavioral health challenges. (504) 821-2601 or crescentcare.org
Odyssey House Louisiana (OHL) is a non-profit behavioral health care provider with an emphasis on addiction treatment. For medically supported detox, call (504) 821-9211. For inpatient rehab treatment, call (504) 821-9211 (extension 7618 or 7619). ohlinc.org
NAMI New Orleans offers a variety of education, support services and advocacy efforts to help individuals and families cope with the effects of mental illness and increase public understanding. namineworleans.org