What to Expect: Hospital
Our assessment process begins upon admission. You will be assessed by our nursing staff, medical staff, psychiatric staff, and social services staff all within the first 72 hours of your stay. You will receive individual and group therapy. You will see your doctor or nurse practitioner every day when necessary. You will have a case manager that works with you on developing follow-up care plans. We are not a “long-term” facility and generally, our patients stay about 7-9 days – some more, some less.
Discharge planning is an active process that begins at the moment of admission. Every patient receives a specific discharge plan designed to maintain stability and reduce the possibility of readmission.
Hospital Referrals
Central Intake Line: 1-833-891-6080
Beacon Has Locations In:
Alexandria • Baton Rouge
Bogalusa • Bunkie • Covington
Hammond • Lacombe • Lutcher
Metairie • New Orleans • Opelousas Slidell • Westbank
What's the unit like?
Inpatient treatment provides a secure environment. This simply means that the exterior doors are locked, outside items like pocket knives, etc., are not allowed, and there is a daily schedule followed. While the surroundings are designed to provide a homelike atmosphere as much as possible, it is not the same as home.
Patient rooms may be private or semi-private. Each room has separate toilet facilities. TVs and telephones are in common areas, not in patient rooms.
How long will I be there?
The duration of your stay depends on your individual needs. Our inpatient program is designed to stabilize any crisis that leads to admission and improve overall functioning as quickly as possible. We are not a “long-term” facility and, generally, our patients stay about 7-9 days – some more, some less.
What happens after I enter the unit?
After being greeted at the front door, your first encounter with our staff will be behind our locked doors to initiate admission paperwork and complete a search of all personal belongings to prevent contraband from entering the unit, ensuring everyone’s safety. Each patient receives a Patient ID, which they can provide to anyone they wish to call the treatment team.
Within the first 72 hours of your stay, our nursing, medical, psychiatric, and social services staff will each conduct assessments. Each of our units has a large daily schedule displayed in the main common area for your review, outlining what to expect each day while in our care. You will also receive a printed copy of our patient handbook.
What happens when I am discharged?
Discharge planning is an active process that begins at admission. Every patient receives a specific discharge plan designed to maintain stability and reduce readmission. A discharge form will be provided, which includes the outpatient appointments and a list of all medications that need to be continued after discharge.
What to Expect: IOP
Our clinics operate Monday-Friday and our clients may attend from 3-5 days a week depending on their needs. Each day, we provide 3 therapy groups with a group limit size of 10 people. The Psychiatrist and Psych Nurse Practitioner work together with each client to determine the frequency of days and follow up with clients at least once a month or as needed for medication management. Individuals begin their treatment by meeting with an intake specialist to better understand what issues are occurring.
If the client meets IOP criteria and is agreeable to participate in treatment, then an appointment with a clinic psychiatrist is arranged. Our average length of stay is 10-12 weeks. We also provide free transportation, light breakfast, and lunch.
What is Intensive Outpatient treatment?
Intensive Outpatient treatment (IOP) is a structured treatment program designed to offer intensive treatment for individuals facing challenges in their daily lives.
IOP involves group psychotherapy and treatment is delivered under a psychiatrist’s direction.
What if I need medication?
Our clinic psychiatrist and/or psychiatric nurse practitioner will evaluate the need for medications and continue to monitor all medications prescribed while you are enrolled in the IOP.
How much does the program cost?
Our program is covered by Medicare, commercial insurance, and Medicaid plans. Costs vary depending on health insurance policies. We offer insurance verifications as part of our intake process so specific costs can be determined.
How many people are in a group?
We limit the group size to 10 participants.
How long is the program?
There is no preset program length. Progress is monitored and re-evaluated by the doctor and treatment team at least monthly. The average time someone is enrolled in our IOP is 10-12 weeks.
Insurances Accepted
- Medicare
- Louisiana Medicaid
- Cigna
- BCBS,
- Humana
- Aetna
- Beacon Health Options
- Gilsbar
- Magellan
- MH Net
- People’s Health
- United
- Healthcare
- Vantage Plan of Louisiana
- WellCare (hospitals only)
- Mississippi Medicaid (New Orleans and Lacombe hospitals only)
Can I contact the clinic directly or must I be referred by my doctor?
We receive direct referrals and do not require a referral from a professional.
Does the program offer transportation?
We provide free transportation to/from the clinic within a specified area.
What happens when I contact the clinic?
Individuals begin their treatment by meeting with an intake specialist to better understand what issues are occurring. If it’s determined that IOP would be beneficial in addressing/resolving the issues, you will be scheduled for admission into the program and set up with an appointment with clinic psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.
How many days a week is the program?
Our clinics operate Monday-Friday, and our clients may attend 3-5 days a week depending on their needs. The psychiatric team and the client determine the frequency of days.
How many groups a day are offered?
We provide three therapy groups per treatment day.
How often do I visit the doctor?
Our clients see their doctor at least once a month or as needed.
What do We Treat
- Mood Disorders and Major Depressive Disorders
- Anxiety Disorder
- Schizophrenia Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- PTSD
- Adjustment Disorder
- Substance Use Disorder while experiencing any of the above mental health symptoms and any other mental health condition that is causing impairments in functioning
Who do We Treat
Adults (age 18+) and Geriatrics
What time of day does the program start?
Most of our clinics begin treatment around 10 a.m.
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Battling depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, or substance use issues isn't just a daily struggle—it's a profound and often overwhelming challenge.
The weight of these difficulties may feel crushing and navigating them alone can seem impossible. We are here to remind you that you don't have to face this alone. You've come to the right place.
Intensive Outpatient Program
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Beacon's Mission - “To provide unsurpassed patient care in a compassionate, cost-effective, and ethical manner”—has been, and will always be, the cornerstone of Beacon’s success. We are proud to offer our clients superior mental health programs that focus on putting their needs first and help them see “a Guiding Light Towards a Brighter Tomorrow.”
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