Open Access Behavioral Health Care
Getting help shouldn't be complicated. DePaul now offers Open Access Behavioral Health Services, meaning that you may schedule an appointment directly with a behavioral health provider. No initial appointment with a primary care provider is needed.
Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child, or a loved one, our team is here to help with compassionate, evidence-based care designed to support your mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.
Please click here or call (504) 207-3064 to schedule an appointment today. Access to care is available at all DePaul locations and through telehealth services. Medicare, Medicaid, and most major commercial insurance plans are accepted.
What is Behavioral Health?
Behavioral health focuses on how our thoughts, emotions, habits, and life experiences affect our overall health and well-being. At DePaul, we take a whole-person approach to care, helping patients achieve their best health in mind, body, and spirit.
Our highly qualified behavioral health providers work with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults to address a wide range of concerns that impact daily life, relationships, school, work, and personal growth
Behavioral Health Services Offered
Our comprehensive behavioral health services include:
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Individual counseling
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Group counseling
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Case management
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Medication management and intervention
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Psychiatric evaluations
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Peer support services
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Group support services
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Screenings for depression
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Alcohol and substance misuse screenings
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Outpatient treatment for substance use disorders
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Behavioral health assessments
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Smoking cessation services
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Evidence-based treatment and follow-up care
Services for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults (Ages 6 and Up)
Our team provides support for:
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Parent-child relationship challenges
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Life transitions
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Depression
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Attention and behavioral challenges
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Emotional and behavioral concerns that affect school, family, and daily life
Community Partnerships That Strengthen Children's Mental Health
DePaul partners with public and parochial schools throughout the Greater New Orleans area to expand access to care through:
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On-site health clinics
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School-based behavioral health services
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Community outreach and education initiatives
These partnerships help ensure children and families receive the support they need where they learn and grow.
Meet Our Behavioral Health Team
Mary Beth Alvarez, MD, MPH
Dr. Alvarez is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry with extensive experience integrating behavioral health into primary care. She earned her medical degree and Master of Public Health from Tulane University and completed her combined Internal Medicine/Psychiatry residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she served as Chief Resident. Dr. Alvarez has led innovative behavioral health programs in academic and clinical settings and helped establish DePaul Community Health Centers' Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. She has expertise in addiction medicine, adolescent health, and integrated behavioral healthcare, and currently serves as President-Elect of the Association of Medicine and Psychiatry.
Our multifaceted Behavioral Health team takes a holistic approach to care by connecting primary care and behavioral health services to support the whole person.
Our providers include:
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Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW)
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Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
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Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (PLPC)
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Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (Psych NP and Psych/FNP)
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Medical Psychologists (MP)
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Psychiatrists (MD)
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Combined Internal Medicine/Psychiatry Residents (IM/Psych)
Outpatient Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
Break Free from the Cycle of Addiction
DePaul’s Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program provides personalized, compassionate care to help individuals recover from opioid addiction and reclaim their health.
We combine the latest medical and behavioral therapies to reduce the risk of relapse and support long-term recovery.
Our addiction treatment team understands that recovery is different for everyone. That's why we create individualized treatment plans designed to restore physical health, emotional well-being, and hope for the future.
Comprehensive, Holistic Treatment Options
In addition to MAT for opioid use disorder, our specialists treat a variety of substance use disorders using a whole-person approach that supports both the mind and body.
Services include
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Individualized medication management
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Individual therapy
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Group therapy
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Trauma-informed care
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Treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
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Integrated medical and dental care
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Referrals and coordination for all levels of care
Referrals are available for:
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Medical detoxification
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Residential treatment
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Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
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Ongoing medication management
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A Collaborative Care Team
A Collaborative Care Team
Our multidisciplinary team includes:
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Physicians
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Nurse Practitioners
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Licensed Clinical Social Workers
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Counselors
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Peer Support Specialists
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Support Staff
By treating substance use disorders and mental health conditions together, our integrated care model helps patients achieve stronger, longer-lasting outcomes.
Fast Access to Care
Most new patients can be seen within 24 to 72 hours of their initial call.
Both in-person and telehealth appointments are available.
If a higher level of care is needed, our team coordinates referrals to ensure continuity of care throughout recovery.
Please call (504) 407-1482 to schedule a confidential assessment.
Medicare, Medicaid, ACA, and commercial insurance plans are accepted. Discounts are available based on income and eligibility.
Smoking Cessation Services
Support to Help You Quit Smoking
In partnership with the Smoking Cessation Trust, DePaul offers eligible patients FREE support to quit smoking.
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States and contributes to
conditions such as:
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Heart disease
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Stroke
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Lung disease
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Diabetes
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Cancer
Quitting tobacco significantly reduces the risk of developing serious health conditions and improves overall health and quality of life.
Eligible participants may receive the following free services:
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Prescription medications
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Over-the-counter cessation medications
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Individual counseling
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Visits with a physician or nurse practitioner
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Personalized quit plans
