In preparing for World Mental Health Day (October 10), it is important to reflect on the evolving mental health policy landscape in Louisiana, which aims to support mental health for all residents across the state. Title 28 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes is a compilation of laws related to mental health, covering various aspects of law concerning the admission, treatment, and discharge of individuals experiencing behavioral health conditions or substance use conditions, as well as provisions for the rights and responsibilities of individuals with behavioral health or substance use conditions.
Overall, mental health policy in Louisiana aims to enhance the well-being of individuals experiencing mental health conditions and substance use disorders. The Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Behavioral Health plays a key role in managing and delivering the services and supports necessary to improve the quality of life for residents with mental illness and addictive disorders.
In recent years, Louisiana has implemented several policy changes related to mental health. In 2020, the Louisiana Department of Insurance issued Directive 216. The rule advised all health issuers and health maintenance organizations on the establishment of reporting requirements pertaining to mental health parity to ensure compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. The Directive was a key measure to enforce the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 and to ensure that coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services is no more restrictive than for medical and surgical benefits.
The Louisiana Legislature passed Act 457 of the 2022 Regular Legislative Session, enacted as Louisiana R.S. 22:1066.2, requires any health coverage plan that provides mental health and substance abuse benefits to cover mental health and substance abuse services delivered through evidence-based, integrated behavioral health care models, such as the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model.
In 2025, the Louisiana Department of Health received a $1 million planning grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This grant is managed by the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Public Health and is part of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program. This program aims to address the ongoing mental health and substance use crises across the country.
While these policy changes demonstrate the progress the state has achieved with mental health insurance coverage, many Louisiana residents still face mental health challenges and lack access to appropriate care. Overall, 715,000 adults in the state have a mental health condition—more than three times the population of Baton Rouge. More policies are necessary to overcome barriers to care, capacity limitations, payment issues, social determinants of health, and childhood adversity. To address these concerns, the Louisiana Department of Health has initiated the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) to develop strategies for enhancing the health and mental health of Louisianans. Those interested can even participate by signing up to join these efforts.