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Physicians Behavioral Hospital says psychiatric treatment central to homelessness response; offers shelter beds and outpatient follow-up
Summary
An administrator for Physicians Behavioral Hospital described a hospital-managed homeless shelter and argued that untreated psychosis and psychiatric continuity of care are major drivers of visible homelessness; he said the shelter offers weekly doctor visits and daily nursing contact and currently operates about 40 beds.
A representative of Physicians Behavioral Hospital told the Shreveport City Council during public comment that the facility operates an inpatient psychiatric hospital and has opened a temporary homeless shelter that links residents to outpatient treatment.
Brad Mabry (introduced in the record as an administrator with Physicians Behavioral Hospital at 2025 DeSoto Street) said the hospital treats adults who meet criteria for crisis stabilization — suicidal, homicidal, or gravely disabled — and that many discharged patients lack continuity of care or housing. Mabry described the hospital’s shelter initiative, launched the previous January, as a program for residents willing to continue outpatient treatment and adhere to medication and program rules. He told council the shelter began with about 20 beds and had grown to about 40; the organization hopes to expand to 100 beds to provide secure housing, food, daily nursing and weekly physician visits.
Mabry said medication continuity is a principal barrier: patients may miss appointments for logistical reasons (transportation, pre-authorizations) or because of co-occurring substance use. He described a model of daily nursing contact, group therapy every day and weekly physician appointments at the shelter that, he said, helps stabilize patients and reduce the risk of return to homelessness.
Council members asked how the program responds when a person refuses help; Mabry said the work is “complicated” and not always successful but described screening and engagement strategies and emphasized the difference between untreated psychosis and primary substance use disorders.
Mabry left contact information for the hospital and said the group is willing to partner with the city or planning groups. The transcript records the presentation as public comment — not a council directive or formal action.
