Louisiana Mental Health Resources

“Using a traditional mental-health measuring stick to figure out where we stand two years post-Katrina is like using a 12-inch ruler to measure the Causeway. It’s not really up to the task.”

Sunday’s Times-Picayune article on the current state of mental health in New Orleans says we’re on uncharted ground, but mental health professionals around the state (including our own Dr. Howard Osofsky) want you to know it’s ok to ask for a map. Check out this list of local & national free resources for more.

American Red Cross’ Access to Care program
Provides long-term financial recovery assistance to victims of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.
Toll free number: (866) 794-HOPE.

Louisiana Spirit Hurricane Recovery’s crisis line at (800) 273-TALK.
Free of charge to anyone in Louisiana, as well as community organizations, government employees, rescuers, disaster service workers, business owners, religious groups and other special populations. Services include individual counseling for all ages, group counseling for first responders and specialized counseling and stress management services.
LA Spirit Help Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

LSU Health Sciences Center 24-hour Health Line at (504) 568-8772
Free to the general public.
24 Hour help line: (504) 568-8772

LSU Health Sciences Center Campus Assistance Program
Free service for LSUHSC employees, faculty, staff, residents, and students to assist in resolving personal or work related problems.
24 Hour help line: (504) 568-8888

NOLA Dashboard
Local medical resources & services in the New Orleans area from the Louisiana Public Health Institute. Includes schedules & lists of open hospitals & clinics, mobile clinic schedule, mental health services and support groups, dental services and relief & recovery services.
http://www.noladashboard.org/

National Suicide Prevention 24-hour crisis counseling hotline
Provides immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. Call for yourself, or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential.
24 Hour toll-free number: (800) 273-8255