Iowa Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in Iowa
Mental illness affects Iowans on a daily basis. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly half a million people in Iowa have a mental health condition. Among them, 128,000 have a serious mental illness.
But the question is, are Iowans getting the care they need for their mental health? Sadly, an analysis of the CDC’s cause of death data puts Iowa’s suicide rate above the national average: 17.5 per 100,000 in Iowa compared to 14.1 per 100,000 across the US. Iowa has higher rates of suicide by firearms and by other means as well compared to the US overall.
This isn’t surprising, unfortunately, because so many Iowans don’t get the mental health care they need. According to NAMI, 42% of Iowans report having symptoms of anxiety or depression and over 25% of them aren’t able to get the treatment they need. The numbers are even more concerning for youth – 58% of teenagers in Iowa who have depression don’t get treatment for it.
17.5 per 100,000
Deaths in Iowa caused by suicide
42%
Of Iowans report having symptoms of anxiety or depression
Over 25%
Of those Iowa residents aren't able to receive treatment
Free Mental Health Resources in Iowa
Born out of the commitment of two mothers whose sons were diagnosed with schizophrenia, NAMI is a coalition of mental health advocates, families, and community members, offering advocacy, outreach, education, and support group sessions to those facing mental health struggles. NAMI Iowa serves Iowa resid of all ages and walks of life, including veterans and frontline healthcare workers.
The Veterans Group of Iowa is an organization that operates through an online platform to support you with your mental health care needs. They offer video training modules, resource links, and a community of support that you can lean on.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
Disability
Depression
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
USC Healthcare offers support group services to teens, students, and adults, including members of the LGBT community and minorities. They provide culturally competent care to individuals and families, free of charge. They have specialized support groups for families, transgender individuals, teens, and others.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Operating under the Carver College of Medicine, the Iowa City Free Mental Health Clinic offers biweekly student and faculty led services. Transitional outpatient services address mental health struggles locals are facing. Services include evaluation, therapy, medication management, and referrals for counseling in the community. Spanish and French language support is available along with telehealth appointments.
Operating under Iowa Lakes Community College, Iowa Lakes Mental Health Services offers free mental health care to teens, students, adults, and veterans. Mental health assessments are available here, along with six free 1:1 sessions with a licensed counselor. You'll also get connected to the student community support group, TalkCampus, which connects you with peers worldwide.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
Broadlands Medical Center offers mental health and addiction treatment support to individuals of all ages and walks of life. Care is available in outpatient and inpatient settings. They also have a mobile crisis team and community based services like in home care, access to residential group homes, transitional services, and other supports.
The Iowa State Mental Health Support services include crisis management, counseling, and mental health medication. You'll also find holistic approaches including well being services and meditation and breathing workshops. These services are available to students and adults affiliated with the university.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
The Iowa State Mental Health Support services include crisis management, counseling, and mental health medication. You'll also find holistic approaches including well being services and meditation and breathing workshops. These services are available to students and adults affiliated with the university.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
The Southern Iowa Mental Health Center offers comprehensive mental health care to men, women, and children throughout the region. Crisis services are available, including counseling that uses evidence based therapies. They have a mobile crisis team and offer services in French and Spanish. Financial assistance is available if you qualify.
Your Life Iowa is a state initiative that provides access to resources including crisis care and stabilization support if you're experiencing a behavioral health struggle. They also have a mobile crisis unit that can deploy to where you’re at. Once you connect with them through a call, text, or live chat, you can get referred to specialized services including counseling, residential care, and other resources in your community.
Farm Family Wellness partners with PAS (Personal Assistance Services) to offer mental health support to men, women, and seniors in the U.S. agricultural industry. Services include online peer support that's available 24/7 as well as confidential and free mental health and wellness support. Programs include counseling, nutrition coaching, financial coaching, legal aid, parenting services, education planning, and much more. They also offer a nicotine cessation program.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
The First Friday Breakfast Club is a monthly breakfast meetup where members of the LGBTQ and BIPOC community, teens and students, seniors, and those with disabilities can come together for supportive care. This organization can also connect you to specialized resources, such as LGBTQ services across the state.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
Seniors
Disability
Central Iowa Community Services helps you find the right program to address your behavioral health needs. They provide access to crisis services, treatment, and education support. You can also get connected to different social support services like access to housing, employment, and medical care for health needs. They work with individuals of all ages.
The Johnson County Mental Health and Disability Services provides care to Medicaid covered individuals with disabilities who are struggling with their mental health. You can get connected to their crisis and help lines. They can also refer you for recovery supports including counseling and crisis support in partnership with Your Life Iowa.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Disability
The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs serves veterans and their family members, helping them work through struggles with their mental health or coexisting substance abuse disorders. In-person services are available alongside telehealth care.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
Veterans
Disability
Depression
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse