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St. Charles Parish Hospital celebrates opening of new Intensive Outpatient Program Center
LULING, La. — St. Charles Parish Hospital celebrated the opening of its new Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, March 31, at 150 Hall St. in Luling. The new center expands access to behavioral health services in St. Charles Parish and surrounding communities, offering structured treatment for adults experiencing mental health challenges or substance use disorders who require more support than traditional outpatient care but do not require hospitalization.
Two treatment tracks
The program includes two treatment tracks operating simultaneously: a mental wellness program for conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and a recovery program for individuals seeking treatment for alcohol or drug use, including opioids.
“St. Charles Parish Hospital has always been committed to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of our community,” said Keith Dacus, CEO of St. Charles Parish Hospital. “The opening of the Intensive Outpatient Program is another example of how we continue to expand services so patients can receive the care they need close to home. This program fills an important gap in behavioral healthcare for our region.”
The program provides structured treatment and includes group therapy, individual therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication management. Science-based treatment approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, relapse prevention and other therapeutic interventions designed to improve long-term health and well-being.
The program also provides a supportive community environment for patients, including shared spaces and an outdoor area where participants can engage in therapeutic and social activities together.
“Our goal is to provide patients with the tools and support they need to regain stability and improve their quality of life,” said Matthew Lagarde, MD, medical director of the St. Charles Parish Hospital Intensive Outpatient Program. “By combining science-based treatment with a strong sense of community and peer support, we can help patients build the skills necessary for long-term recovery and mental wellness.”
Access to care is a central focus of the program. The Intensive Outpatient Program accepts Medicaid, Medicare and commercial insurances and provides transportation within a 25- to 30-mile radius, helping reduce barriers to behavioral health treatment.
“This program represents a meaningful investment in the health of our community,” said Pam Smith, board member of St. Charles Parish Hospital. “Behavioral health services are critically important for individuals and families, and we are proud to support initiatives that expand access to care in St. Charles Parish.”
Expanding access to care in St. Charles Parish
St. Charles Parish Hospital has experienced significant growth in recent years, expanding services and access to care across the region.
“St. Charles Parish Hospital continues to be an essential resource for residents across our region,” said Holly Fonseca, St. Charles Parish Councilwoman-At-Large, Division B. “Investments like the Intensive Outpatient Program ensure that families in our community have access to the healthcare they need, including critical mental health and recovery services.”
Over the past 11 years, the hospital has grown from serving approximately 1,800 patients annually to more than 21,000 and has expanded from four physicians to 47 physicians and advanced practice providers. The hospital has also added new services, including oncology, infusion, pediatrics and neurology.
Today, St. Charles Parish Hospital includes 59 beds and approximately 500 team members. In 2025 alone, the hospital provided $784,000 in subsidized health services, invested $5.7 million in capital improvements and hosted 35 community outreach events.
The new Intensive Outpatient Program will employ a multidisciplinary team that includes psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and nursing staff.
National and state data underscore the need for expanded behavioral health services. Nearly one in five adults experience mental illness each year, and in Louisiana hundreds of thousands of residents live with a mental health condition. Despite the need, many individuals do not receive treatment due to barriers such as cost or lack of access.
The new program helps address those gaps by expanding local access to behavioral healthcare and connecting patients with long-term support resources in the community.
St. Charles Parish Hospital is a 59-bed facility that has provided quality care to the community since 1959. With seven advanced ambulances, its paramedics and EMTs deliver critical emergency response and transport services. Strategically located to serve both sides of the Mississippi River, the hospital is minutes from Kenner and surrounding areas. Managed by Ochsner Health, the hospital has implemented advanced technologies and shared best practices to improve care quality and expand access to services.
Learn more about the St. Charles Parish Hospital Intensive Outpatient Program or call (985) 785-3600.
Editors: Photos can be found at this link,
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