Admissions

At Covington Behavioral Health, we understand that seeking help for a mental or behavioral health concern can be a difficult and intimidating process, so we have dedicated ourselves to ensuring that our admissions process is as efficient and as stress-free as possible.

Admissions Process Overview

At Covington Behavioral Health, we understand that seeking help for a mental or behavioral health concern can be a difficult and intimidating process, so we have dedicated ourselves to ensuring that our admissions process is as efficient and as stress-free as possible.

We respect everyone who seeks our care, and we know that you have your own unique set of experiences and struggles that have led you to our doors. With this empathy and compassion, we strive to do everything in our power to make you as comfortable as possible as you take this monumental step in your life.

At Covington, we also know that emergencies can happen at any time of the day or night. And we understand that when you have made the decision to seek treatment, you do not want to have to wait to talk to someone. For this reason, we are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are available to talk to you at any time.

What to Expect

You can start the admissions process by either calling our admissions department or coming directly to our treatment center. We welcome walk-ins, and we have qualified staff members available to meet with you 24/7.

During your first contact with Covington, you will participate in an initial intake assessment with one of our knowledgeable and compassionate intake coordinators. During this intake process, the following will occur:

  • Personal demographic information will be requested
  • Pertinent background information will be gathered
  • Relevant medical records will be obtained
  • Intake coordinator will make an informal determination as to whether or not your needs can best be met in an inpatient setting

The information that you supply will then be reviewed by one of our doctors, who will also be able to discuss any medical concerns that may exist (if applicable). The doctor will then offer a formal acceptance or denial of admission.

If the doctor denies admission, it means that he or she believes that your needs do not warrant inpatient care and could, instead, be better treated in another type of setting. If this happens, the intake coordinator will discuss our options for lower levels of care, or make appropriate referrals to another treatment center.

Admissions Criteria for Inpatient Treatment

Each person who is admitted into treatment here at Covington is accepted on a case-by-case basis, after careful review of his or her presenting concerns. However, in order to receive care at our center for any need, individuals must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be aged 18 or older
  • Must have a primary mental health disorder diagnosis

Additionally, the patients who we most commonly treat will meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Are suffering from suicidal ideation
  • Are at risk of harming others
  • Are gravely disabled
  • Are suffering from acute psychiatric episodes or symptoms
  • Are unable to function as a result of the presence of symptoms of a mental health disorder

When patients are struggling with a substance abuse problem, we are able to facilitate detoxification services for certain substances prior to beginning inpatient care. These substances include:

  • Alcohol
  • Stimulants
  • Prescription medications

Admissions Criteria for Outpatient Treatment

As is true for inpatient treatment, individuals who are able to receive care in our intensive outpatient program (IOP) must be aged 18 or older.

Individuals who can benefit from the services offered in outpatient treatment are those whose symptoms are severe enough to cause impairment in their daily functioning, but that are not severe enough to warrant around-the-clock inpatient monitoring.

If during the initial assessment, it is determined that an individual does not meet the criteria for inpatient treatment, his or her presenting concerns will be reviewed in order to determine if one of our outpatient programs will be an appropriate and beneficial fit. A recommendation for participation in our IOP will then be given at that time.

Start Now

If you or someone you care for may be able to benefit from our services, please do not hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience. We hope that you will allow Covington Behavioral Health to be the place where your first step towards a healthier tomorrow begins.

I am grateful for the treatment I received at Covington Behavioral Health. I felt like an individual rather than a patient and I am so thankful.

– a former patient
Marks of Quality Care
  • LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Treatment
  • St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce
  • The Jason Foundation
  • The Joint Commission (JCAHO) Gold Seal of Approval