Resources for Moms, Families, and Caregivers

Louisiana Crisis Response System

The Louisiana Crisis Response System (LA-CRS) provides individuals ages 21 and older who are enrolled in Medicaid with the specialized mental health services they need when they need it most. These services are available for individuals who are:

  • 21 years of age and older,
  • Enrolled in one of the six Healthy Louisiana Medicaid plans,
  • Experiencing mental distress and would benefit from crisis response, and
  • Not already on a legal commitment and can voluntarily participate in services.

When someone experiences a mental health crisis, it can be hard to determine what to do. Every crisis is different and not all require a visit to the emergency department.

LA-CRS offers four different services depending on the mental health need:

  • Mobile Crisis Response: A team will go to the individual where they are to provide intervention, relief, and resolution.
  • Behavioral Health Crisis Center: A walk-in center where individuals will receive short-term crisis intervention.
  • Community Brief Crisis Support: Ongoing care to stabilize mental health needs, provide referral options, and coordinate with local providers. Services are provided for up to 15 days.
  • Crisis Stabilization: Short-term, bed-based crisis treatment and support services for those who require a higher level of care after a crisis.

Medicaid members can contact their health plan’s Behavioral Health Care Crisis Line to access services:

Mental Health Professionals

Local Governing Entities (LGEs), also known as health districts or authorities, are established by Louisiana state law to direct the operation and management of community-based programs and services relative to mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities and challenges, and substance-related and addictive disorders.

There are 10 LGEs across the state in the regions of Greater New Orleans (1), Capital Area (2), South Central (3), Acadiana (4), Southwest (5), Central (6), Northwest (7), Northeast (8), Northshore (9), and Jefferson Parish (10).

LGEs provide services including screening and assessment, emergency crisis care, individual evaluation and treatment, medication administration and management, clinical casework services, specialized services for children and adolescents, specialized criminal justice services, specialized services for the elderly, and pharmacy services.

Additional Resources

Downloadable Resources

Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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