Vermilion Behavioral Health System in Lafayette is helping their younger patients get the care their need while being closer to home.

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Vermilion Behavioral Health System in Lafayette is helping their younger patients get the care their need while being closer to home.

Sheena Stakes, a local licensed clinical worker, spoke with News 10 about the extended services will help younger patients in the area.

"It is wonderful that we as society now normalize mental health and are able to talk about it and there is not such a great stigma surrounding it and people are able to reach out for help," said Stakes.

The stigma surrounding the daily challenges of managing mental health is fading, making support available for both adults and adolescents. In Lafayette, Vermilion Behavioral Health System is progressing by broadening inpatient and outpatient services to individuals aged seven and above.

"We see a lot of significant trauma. We see a lot of abuse, neglect, depression, anxiety. With early intervention these children are able to get the help that they need so they can grow to be normal functioning adults," said Stake.

The psychiatric facility has a specialized 54-bed unit specifically designed for adolescents and children. Of these, 44 beds are designated for individuals aged 12 to 17, and 10 beds are set aside for children aged 7 to 11. Patients are given the option to choose between inpatient and outpatient care. Sheena Stakes says in case of acute symptoms., patients may need to undergo inpatient treatment to receive comprehensive care.

"In patients is more of an acute stabilization stay from 7 to max of 15 days. Out patient is more long term. In there they have individual therapy, group therapy and the services are more broad and long term," said Stake.

Stakes says societys acceptance encourages more people to seek mental health treatment.

"We normalize talking about it. Families are reaching out for services more than what they should. We are able to provide those interventions early," Stake explained.

Stakes says recovery looks different for each person. Treatment can last longer for some than others such as medication management and seeking therapy. The sooner you get help the better your chances of managing your mental health.

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