Mental Health Resources

Mental Health is Health

Mental Health is Health

Mental health can mean different things to different people. Mental health is a continuum that stretches from where we're feeling good to the other end of the continuum where we're struggling because of a challenge or a condition like depression. Where we are on that continuum is influenced by various factors. Some we can control (how we take care of ourselves or our support networks) and some we can't (our genetics or how we were raised).

When our mental health is strong, it can help us thrive. When we're struggling, we may need to seek out self-care and coping practices, and/or the support of professionals. Check out the Mental Health is Health website for more information.

Supporting Mental Health in Iowa Schools

Good mental health is a critical part to student' success in schools and life. Research has shown that students academically achieve better when they receive social-emotional and mental health support. Good mental health is more than the absence of mental illness but also includes the areas of social-emotional-behavioral well-being and the development of coping skills to better handle life's challenges. When schools develop mental health programming, it also improves classroom behaviors, creates a more positive school climate, students feel more connected to school and staff, and overall student well-being.

When student mental health issues are ignored, it can lead to more issues such as learning problems, failing grades, acting out behaviors, dropping out, and criminal activity. To better assist your child or students mental health in schools, know how to recognize the symptoms, find support services, advocate for mental health awareness, and take care of yourself. For more information, check out the AEA's Iowa Mental Health Resources webpage.

School Counselors and Mental Health

While your school counselor can provide short-term counseling for a variety of issues, they are not a licensed mental health therapist. School counselors do not diagnose or treat mental health disorders, but they can connect you to the appropriate resources for more intensive help. On this page, you will find a variety of mental health resources available in the local area, statewide or nationwide that are able to better help.

Local Mental Health Services and Crisis Resources

Counseling, Therapy, and Behavioral Health Intervention Service (BHIS) Services

Seasons Center: Offers a range of psychiatric and behavioral health services to the people and communities of Northwest Iowa, including outpatient therapy services for children and adolescents. Nearby offices in Spencer and Storm Lake. Check out Season's Center's website for more information.

Plains Area Mental Health Center: Offers a broad range of outpatient counseling, outpatient psychiatric, and substance use services to the people and communities of Northwest Iowa. Nearby offices located in Storm Lake and Cherokee. Check out Plains Area's website for more information.

Lutheran Services in Iowa: Offers therapy services, behavioral health intervention services (BHIS), and residential treatment services to individuals and families in Iowa. Check out Lutheran Services in Iowa's website for more information.

Heartland Therapy Services: Offers counseling services to individuals and families in northwest Iowa. Services include individual therapy, couple's therapy, family therapy and group therapy, both face-to-face and via telehealth online. Located in Storm Lake, IA. Check out Heartland Therapy Services's website for more information.

Northwest Iowa Counseling Associates: Offers therapy services to adolescents, adults and seniors (65+). Located in Storm Lake, IA. Check out Northwest Iowa Counseling Associate's website for more information.

Champion State of Mind: Offers therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults in both an individual, family or group setting as well as substance abuse and addiction counseling. Located in Estherville and Spencer, IA. Check out Champion State of Mind's website for more information.

COVID Recovery Iowa: Offers free virtual counseling and assistance for all Iowans affected by COVID-19. No payment or health insurance information required. Check out COVID Recovery Iowa's website for more information.

BetterHelp: Offers online therapy with a licensed therapist that is accessible, affordable and convenient so anyone who struggles with life's challenges can get help, anytime and anywhere. Check out BetterHelp's website for more information.

OnlineTherapy: Offers assistance in finding the right therapist for you by location (in-person or online) and type of counselor (addiction counseling, eating disorder counseling, anxiety counseling, career counseling, marriage/family counseling, etc.). For more information, please visit OnlineTherapy's website.

Crisis Intervention Resources for Individuals and Families

OnlineTherapy's Addiction Support: Offers support to individuals and families better understand addition, learn how to talk about addiction, assist a loved one with getting professional help, and offer support throughout the recovery process. For more information, refer to the OnlineTherapy Addiction Treatment website.

Family Crisis Centers: Offers support to anyone who has been affected by domestic violence, human trafficking, homicide or any other violent crimes. Free and confidential services offered 24/7 by calling 1-800-382-5603. Located in Sioux Center, IA. Check out Family Crisis Centers' website for more information.

Iowa Victim Service Call Center: Offers support to anyone who has been affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, homicide or any other violent crime. Call 1-800-770-1650 or text "IOWAHELP" to 20121. Check out Iowa Victim Service Call Center's website for more information.

Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CAASA): Offers services to victims and survivors of Sexual Assault. All services are free and confidential to all men, women, and children. Services include a 24/7 hotline, crisis counseling, ongoing counseling, support groups, shelter, medical and legal advocacy, and more. Located in Spencer, IA. Call the 24/7 crisis line at 1-877-362-4612. Check out CAASA's website for more information.

Local and National Crisis Hotlines

Help is always available, and sometimes it's only a phone call or text away. There are a variety of hotlines that operate 24/7 and provide support and services for all kinds of people and situations, including mental health issues, suicide ideation, general crises, eating disorders, dating violence or domestic assault, sexual assault, and more. Below is a list of crisis hotlines, ways to access them, and the times that they operate:

Local Crisis Hotlines

Seasons Center: Offers 24/7 support from a trained crisis counselor on various crises, including anxiety, depression, suicide, etc.

  • Call (24/7): 844-345-4569 | Hearing & Speech Impaired: 711 | Hearing & Speech Impaired (Spanish): 800-264-7190

Plains Area Mental Health Center: Offers an emergency crisis line from a trained crisis counselor for various crises interventions.

  • Call (24/7): 1-888-546-0730

Family Crisis Centers: Offers free and confidential services to anyone who has been affected by domestic violence, human trafficking, homicide or any other violent crimes.

  • Call (24/7): 1-800-382-5603

Iowa Victim Service Call Center: Offers support to anyone who has been affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, homicide or any other violent crime.

  • Call (24/7) 1-800-770-1650 | Text (24/7): "IOWAHELP" to 20121

Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CAASA): Offers services to victims and survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse.

  • Call (24/7): 1-877-362-4612

National Crisis Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Offers support that is not limited to suicidal ideation. You can talk about substance abuse, economic worries, relationships, sexual identity, getting over abuse, depression, mental or physical illness, loneliness, etc.

The Trevor Project: Offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

Crisis Text Line: Offers support from a trained crisis counselor on various crises, such as election stress, coronavirus stress, anxiety, depression, suicide, physical, sexual and emotional abuse, etc.

National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA): Offers support, resources and treatment options for yourself or a loved one struggling with an eating disorder.

  • Call (M-Th 10a-8p; F 10a-4p): 800-931-2237 | Text (M-Th 2p-5p): 800-931-2237 | Live Chat (M-Th 8a-8p; F 8a-4p): www.neda.org/chat

Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): Offers support services to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

  • Call (24/7): 1-800-656-4673 | Live Chat (24/7): https://www.rainn.org/ | App: Download the RAINN Mobile App from the app store

Love is Respect: Offers support to teens, young adults, and their loved ones seeking help, resources, or information related to unhealthy relationships and dating abuse.

National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI): Offers support services providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with mental health conditions, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public.

Veterans Association (VA): Offers support to veterans of all ages to adjust to the transition of coming back, in addition to helping with any mental health issues, relationships, or thoughts of suicide.

Find a Mental Health Professional Near You

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Locator is a free, confidential resource for finding therapists and other mental health professionals closest to you and is available 24/7. To find your closest treatment center, check out SAMHSA's website or call 1-800-662-4357.