Baton Rouge, La. (WNTZ) — The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) unveiled today the new Central Louisiana State Hospital (CLSH) in Pineville with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The state-of-the-art facility provides care for up to 116 patients with severe and persistent mental illnesses, with a focus on rehabilitation and preparing patients for success. Long in the making, the $33 million renovation and relocation project marks a new chapter for the historic state hospital.

“We now have a beautiful new therapeutic facility with outstanding care delivery,” LDH Secretary Michael Harrington said. “It supports CLSH’s delivery of care model, which is to provide person-centered care that promotes recovery and resiliency.” 

“At the heart of this project was creating a patient-centered facility with individualized care, allowing our medical staff to meet the patients where they are in their journey to recovery,” Surgeon General Dr. Ralph L. Abraham said. “Evidence-based treatment programs, a multidisciplinary approach, high quality of care, and an environment of support and connection together make a best-in-class mental health facility.”

Operating under LDH’s Office of Behavioral Health (OBH), the new mental health facility offers enhanced safety, security, and a more effective therapeutic environment. New interior spaces feature a feeling of openness, with emphasis on natural light and exterior views, seen through tall ceilings and windows in each room. The project placed a high priority on creating an environment that ensures patient privacy and safety. 

Certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and accredited by The Joint Commission, the hospital’s primary focus is to provide intermediate inpatient psychiatric care to adult Louisiana residents. Treatment services include individual, group, and family therapy; recreational and occupational therapy; pharmacotherapy; speech and hearing therapy; nutritional counseling; dental services; pastoral care services, and limited diagnostic medical services.

CLSH also supports patients with mental health conditions by reducing healthcare barriers they may face upon discharge, such as safe housing, educational resources, and food and income securities.

Newly constructed buildings at the facility include two patient care buildings and a utility plant. Three existing buildings, previously owned by Pinecrest Supports and Services Center (PSSC), received extensive renovation to support hospital operations, including occupational and therapeutic services, medical staff, and a central pharmacy. Other site improvements include utility infrastructure, site work, parking, plumbing, and landscaping. CLSH has been a mainstay for mental health in Louisiana since its founding in 1906. In June 2024, CLSH employees moved all patients from the 118-year-old original site on Shamrock Street to the current location on Esler Field Road in one day.

The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state residents. The Louisiana Department of Health includes the Office of Public Health, Office of Aging and Adult Services, Office of Behavioral Health, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, Office on Women’s Health and Community Health, and Healthy Louisiana (Medicaid). To learn more, visit www.ldh.la.gov or follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram.