Area Development
The mental health clinic Brightside and behavioral health software-development firm Everso will create a combined 20 new direct jobs at their respective facilities in Bogalusa and Denham Springs, Louisiana.

Brightside Clinic in Denham Springs and Bogalusa are mental health outpatient clinics, and the adjoining Everso offices provide access to health care using real-time electronic visit verification, telehealth technology and compliance software tools. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Brightside has seen 25 percent month-over-month increases in patient referrals.

“Brightside Clinic, coupled with the innovative and collaborative support of Everso, is a progressive pivot for mental health, utilizing leading technology,” Brightside Clinic and Everso Systems CEO Evon Roquemore said. “We envision a world where mental health treatments are proactive and preventive, reducing the rate of crisis intervention as a treatment plan, where both annual mental health and physical exams are standard practice. Brightside and Everso are engaged, innovative and intentional in our actions. We are committed to making whole-person wellness a reality for the communities and individuals we serve.”

Brightside Clinic in Bogalusa will create five new jobs, which LED estimates will result in three new indirect jobs, and the Bogalusa Everso office will create five new jobs, which is expected to result in nine new indirect jobs.

“The combined expansion of Brightside Clinic and Everso Systems is an exciting development for the State of Louisiana and a testament to the hard work of the Washington Economic Development Foundation,” said President and CEO Michael Hecht of Greater New Orleans Inc. “The innovations these companies are making in mental healthcare and health-based software development are essential for the continued diversification of our regional economy, and these new employment opportunities will provide strong job options for our residents.”

“The value of telemedicine to social services and mental health has never been more critical, and we are thrilled to support this expansion and the invaluable benefit it brings to the Capital Region,” said President and CEO Adam Knapp of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. “Our team has had the pleasure of working with Evon over the past year and looks forward to supporting her continued success with our partners at the Livingston Economic Development.