Outpatient Services
For emergency services, please call Mobile Crisis Outreach at 319-247-0030 or dial 9-1-1
see below to learn more about Mobile Crisis Outreach servicesOutpatient Mental Health treatment refers to services that are in an office or clinical setting that does not require staying overnight. This may include one-time or annual appointments with a therapist, psychiatrist (medication management), support groups, etc.
Watch the short video below for more information about Outpatient services and what to expect.
When looking for professional help, there are a few questions to consider as you begin your search:
What is your insurance, if you have any? What is your budget?
What do you need your therapist to help you with? What are your expectations? (see different types of therapy below)
Do you want online or in-person appointments?
Once you have these answered, you can begin your search. You can look into our links organized by area below, or you can use the search engines to find other private practices. For some insurance companies, it is best to contact them first to see which providers they cover. Companies like BlueCross BlueShield have search engines on their website to find in-network providers. In some cases, it may be easier to search for the therapist first and then see if they accept your insurance. Please note that some insurance companies may require a diagnosis to cover therapy services.
For a list of free or low cost psychotherapy services, click here.
Table of contents:
About Mobile Crisis
Mobile Crisis Outreach can be best described as the 9-1-1 for mental health emergencies. Mobile Crisis Outreach is intended for situations where a client would benefit more from a face-to-face meeting than from a call to a crisis phone line. Those situations could include:
Checking on an individual’s safety or well-being
Diffusing an emotional crisis
Dealing with a family crisis or situation involving more than one person
Assessing an individual in danger of attempting suicide
Their phone lines are open 24/7 at 319-247-0030. The team will respond within one hour of receiving a request (adverse weather conditions may delay response time). Private environments, like a person’s home, require two team members; in public locations like schools, businesses, or hospitals, either one or two team members will be sent. Upon arrival, team members will:
Assess the situation
Attempt to stabilize and diffuse the crisis
Provide counseling as needed
Provide referrals to other Foundation 2 or community resources
Mobile Crisis is for people of all ages and is free of charge. Tipton's mobile crisis agency is Foundation 2, which is located in Cedar Rapids.
Crisis Stabilization Community Based Services: 563-326-6431, option 3
The Crisis Stabilization Community Based Service offered through Family Resources is intended for mental health crises that require in-person support. When you call the number above, an intake worker will receive the information for the referral and contact a Crisis Response Specialist who will call you back to assess the situation. If needed, a crisis team will respond within approximately one hour.
Therapeutic Services
The State of Iowa has received federal funding from FEMA to offer free virtual counseling and assistance to those affected, in any way, by COVID-19. COVID Recovery Iowa provides counseling, virtual activities, referrals, and help finding resources to any Iowan seeking assistance or a listening ear. Learn more here: https://covidrecoveryiowa.org/
The Abbe Mental Health Center also offers free counseling services for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Call (319) 398-3562.
By Location
Below are several organizations and private practices that provide therapeutic services, such as individual or family counseling, psychotherapy, or support groups. These are not recommendations approved by the district but are simply those available to you in the nearby area. For many of these, you can call them to see if they accept your insurance if it is not already listed on their website. This is not an exhaustive list; you can find more using the search engines below.
Cedar County
Families, Inc - Therapy, BHIS
Tadan's Touch - IPR, Grief Counseling, and Resource Coordination
Advantage Autism and Therapy Services, LLC - ABA Therapy
Solon/Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon Family Counseling - (319) 693-2266
Muscatine
Life Connections - accepts Medicaid
Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) - accepts Medicaid
Iowa City
University of Iowa Scanlan Center for School Mental Health- clinical/acute services, offers telehealth
CommUnity - support groups and crisis services
Abbe Center - Accepts Medicaid - click here for locations
Community and Family Resources (formerly Prelude)
Counseling and Health Center - accepts Medicaid
Akbay Mental Health Counseling Services, PLC - only accepts BCBS/Wellmark
Psychiatric Associates - does not accept state insurance
Coralville / North Liberty
Alli Center - Accepts Medicaid and Medicare
Cedar Rapids
Tanager Place - accepts Medicaid
Abbe Center- accepts Medicaid - click here for locations
Foundation 2 - support groups and crisis services
Four Oaks - Intake number: 319-364-0259
Heart and Solutions - accepts Medicaid
Amani Community Services - domestic/sexual violence services for African American Iowans
Davenport/Quad Cities
The M.A.D. Therapy - accepts BCBS, United, UMR
Other Iowa areas
Iowa Family Counseling - Washington County
YSS - Marshalltown and Ames
Hillcrest Family Services- various locations, including Maquoketa and Dubuque
Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC)- various locations and Linn County
LGBT+ specific
UAY has a support group for lgbt+ adolescents
the M.A.D. Therapy provides gender-affirming therapy
Substance-use services
Community and Family Resources (formerly Prelude)-various locations, including Cedar County
Robert Young Center - Quad Cities
Eagle View Behavioral Health - Bettendorf
Veterans Affairs Substance Abuse Treatment Program (SATP) - Iowa City
Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC) - Cedar Rapids
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) - crisis line and other services
Substance Rehab Center - search tool
FindTreatment.gov - search tool
Life Connections - Cedar Rapids, Muscatine, and other locations
Search engines for finding a therapist/provider
Psychology Today - largest database for this area
Open Counseling - search for affordable providers
GLMA (Gay and Lesbian Medical Association)
AGLP (The Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists)
Different Types of Therapeutic Services
The most common form of therapy is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. This is when you would see a therapist to talk about your challenges or go through a specific type of talk therapy.
When looking for a therapist, you may find that they list several different therapeutic approaches they use. Some of these types include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Strengths-based therapy, and more. You can find a list of these and more information about them on the website Psychology Today. Many of these techniques have some overlap, so your therapist may use multiple therapies for treatment.
Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS)
BHIS providers are like teachers but, instead of teaching reading, writing, or math, they teach kids how to manage their emotions, communicate their needs and wants, get along with others, and make healthy, safe decisions. BHIS also works with families when their children's behaviors need immediate intervention. These services can be provided in your home or at school according to your treatment plan. BHIS is only for those covered with Medicaid. Please note that some of the providers listed below may or may not have availability in Cedar County.
Nearby Providers:
Tanager Place: Online form or (319) 286-4531
Four Oaks: Call Access/Intake (319) 364-0259
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT has 3 treatment modes: individual therapy, DBT skills group, and phone coaching. It has also been adapted to be used as a social-emotional curriculum in some schools. DBT has 4 core skills: Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Mindfulness focuses on becoming aware of how you think and feel and learning to be non-judgemental of yourself. Emotion Regulation skills focus on managing negative and positive emotions. Distress Tolerance teaches coping skills for managing pain and challenging situations. Interpersonal Effectiveness is geared towards creating and maintaining positive relationships with others. These skills can help a person with daily functioning and live a healthier and happier life. It was intended for those with suicidality and/or borderline personality disorder but has shown to also be effective for those with various other mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. Learn more here: dialecticalbehaviortherapy.com
Local Provider: University of Iowa
Intensive Psychiatric Rehabilitation (IPR)
"Intensive psychiatric rehabilitation services means services designed to restore, improve, or maximize level of functioning, self-care, responsibility, independence, and quality of life; to minimize impairments, disabilities, and disadvantages of people who have a disabling mental illness; and to prevent or reduce the need for services in a hospital or residential setting. Services focus on improving personal capabilities while reducing the harmful effects of psychiatric disability, resulting in an individual’s recovering the ability to perform a valued role in society."
Nearby Providers:
STEP-IN Program
This program, provided by LSI, is a free and voluntary crisis intervention service for youth and families in Scott, Muscatine, and Cedar counties.
It is for families experiencing crisis in which a child is on the verge of a mental health hospitalization, refusing to return home, beyond safe parental control, or if the child is at risk of out-of-home placement. (Not for children in need of immediate psychiatric hospitalization.)
STEP-IN provides families with:
24-hour availability in times of crisis
Crisis intervention services
Case Management
Referrals to psychological evaluations, therapy, and other mental health resources
Connections to community resources, like food pantries, affordable housing, or after-school programming
Skill development like healthy communication, conflict resolution, coping methods, and building consistent schedules
Family team meetings
Referral/Crisis Number: 563-232-5003
Scanlan Center for School Mental Health
The Scanlan Center offers school-based mental health services that are short-term. For example, if a student needs short term therapy, or needs therapy immediately as they transition to a more long-term provider, school staff can make a referral for the student to them. More information can be found on their website or on the flyer.
Psychiatry/Medication Management
Psychiatry, also known as medication management, can be a useful treatment in addition to therapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that specializes in mental health; they can prescribe medications and diagnose medical and mental health conditions. Generally, it is often suggested to do psychotherapy (talk therapy) before moving on to medications to supplement your treatment. For some of these medications, they may not be effective without also seeing a therapist for treatment.
There are medications that can be used for a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. Some of those medications include anti-anxiety drugs, anti-depressants/SSRIs, stimulants, mood stabilizers, etc. Some General Practitioners may also be able to prescribe these medications. It is usually best to get them from a psychiatrist or have had discussions about it with a mental health professional beforehand to ensure the medications and dosages are right for your needs. You can learn more about psychiatry here. If you want to learn more about mental health medications, NIMH has some of that information on their website, which can be found here.
Nearby Providers:
Case Management and Community-Based Services
TotalChild works with children and families through case coordination to work through barriers such as trauma, basic needs (Housing, food, medical), education, employment, family involvement, and community engagement. System of Care (SOC) is a coordinated wrap-around service that helps children and families through case coordination to assist youth who are presenting problems in the home, at school or in the community. Four Oaks - Intake number: 319-364-0259
Pediatric and Adult Integrated Health Home Program (IHH): This program works with clients, between the ages of three to adulthood, who have serious emotional disturbances, mental health issues, or behavioral health diagnoses who have active T19 or Medicaid. IHH connects you with a care team to improve and/or stabilize your family member’s mental and physical health. The team consists of family peer supports, care managers, and registered nurses. Child mental health wavier and habilitation services are also offered under our Intensive Case Management (ICM). IHH is a voluntary service and can end at any time. Four Oaks - Intake number: 319-364-0259
First Episode Recovery Support Team (FERST): FERST helps individuals navigate the road to recovery from a first episode of psychosis. FERST is a multidisciplinary team that includes Team Director, Psychiatrist, Individual Resilience Therapist, Family Education Program, Supported Employee and Education, and Community Support Specialist. With a focus on early intervention, illness management, shared decision making, active learning, and recovery clients who participate in FERST report improved outcomes in relationships, work, employment, and overall life satisfaction. Provided by Abbe Center in Cedar Rapids.
Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT): PACT team includes a psychiatrist, physician's assistant, psychiatric nurses, master's level clinicians, case managers, and a vocational and substance abuse specialist. The team offers a daily medication monitoring, medication management, and assistance with daily living skills, housing, and employment. PACT is intended to provide services to individuals with serious mental illness—typically schizophrenia or a similar illness that includes psychosis. Individuals served in PACT often decrease reliance on emergency services and institutional placement as access to staff is offered 24 hours per day and treatment focus is on recovery. Provided by Abbe Center in Cedar Rapids.
Supported Community Living (SCL): SCL services are moderate-intensity community mental health services designed to be teaching, supportive and transitional in nature. Treatment focus is on the development of independent living, interpersonal and symptom management skills. SCL staff offices are located at on-site living complexes in Cedar Rapids. Individuals in this program are encouraged to take an active role in their goal setting and recovery efforts. Individualized treatment plans are created with clients and their natural supports as desired by the client. Provided by Abbe Center in Cedar Rapids.
Community Support Services (CSS): CSS provides low-intensity community mental health services designed to assist individuals with a serious mental illness to live and work in the community. Services are individualized to match needs and may include assistance with housing, applying for benefits/entitlements, illness education, employment, assistance with ADL's, etc. Services are provided in the home, office, or community settings. Groups are periodically offered to meet specific treatment needs. Provided by Abbe Center in various locations.
Community Crisis Stabilization Program: This free, confidential program provides crisis stabilization and treatment as a voluntary alternative to inpatient services. It is available for both youth and adults. The primary objectives include but not limited to: restoration of functioning; strengthening the resources and capacities of the individual, family, and other supports; timely return to a natural setting and/or least restrictive setting in the community; development/strengthening of an individualized crisis prevention plan and/or safety plan, as part of the Crisis Planning Tools; and linkage to ongoing, medically necessary treatment and support services. The service process includes: crisis stabilization; initial and continued assessment; care coordination; evaluation and medication management; peer support and/or other recovery-oriented services; and mobilization of family and natural supports and community resources. Community Crisis Stabilization services are short-term, as we work to assist in a warm hand off referral to programming and services that will work to sustain long-lasting outcomes. Provided by Family Resources Inc.
Telehealth
What is telehealth?
Telehealth refers to medical and mental health services that are provided virtually, such as over video call, text messaging, phone call, etc. Telehealth opens up your access to providers, as you can receive services from providers licensed anywhere in Iowa right from your home. Due to COVID-19, the majority of mental health providers now offer these services. If you feel it is best to receive support through telehealth, talk to your provider about offering telehealth to see if it is right for you.
Online Services
These companies offer some form of teletherapy services such as counseling, therapy, psychiatry/medication management, and more. You may need to contact your insurance provider first before using these companies. Please be aware that several of these services may not accept any insurance.
Cerebral - accepts insurance through reimbursement
BetterHelp- not covered by most insurance providers (adults)
Talkspace -not covered by most insurance providers
Online-Therapy.com -most likely will pay out of pocket
Amwell -covered by most insurance
MDLive -covered by some insurance providers
7Cups - primarily non-professional support
ReGain - couples/relationship counseling
Teen Counseling - BetterHelp for teens
Pride Counseling - LGBTQ+ community-focused
Dr. On Demand - accepts insurance
Ayana -culturally competent care
Circles - group therapy/support
Rethink My Therapy -does not accept insurance, but affordable subscription rates
Talkiatry - accepts insurance
Wellnite - does not accept insurance
Done. - ADHD treatment, does not accept insurance
Free online counseling/therapy: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/online-therapist-for-free
Group Therapy / Support Groups
Group therapy is guided by mental health professionals and is considered a form of therapy. They often cost money and might be billable to your insurance. Support groups are informal and not guided by mental health professionals; they are not considered professional therapy, but they may provide a similar support system. They may be peer-led and can be free of charge.
A closed support or therapy group refers to not allowing new members once sessions have begun. Open groups allow members to attend at any time.
For groups that are specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, see our LGBTQ+ page.
In-person:
Healing Thru Art- RVAP- Saturdays 9-11am starting 11/5/22 at 108 River Street, Iowa City. Register by emailing Leanne Bender: bendelaa@uni.edu
UIHC Dialectical Behavior Therapy - therapy groups for teenagers at University of Iowa (waitlist)
UIHC STEPPS - skills/therapy group for adults with borderline personality disorder, at University of Iowa
Eating Disorder Therapy Group - Green Counseling Services - Coralville
Coping with Suicide Loss Support Group - CommUnity Crisis Services, Iowa City
Body Empowerment for Womxn - Iowa City
ADD Focus Group - Iowa City
LGBTQ Iowa Caretaker/parent/guardian support group - Iowa City
Clock, Inc - Rock Island, IL - Variety of support groups related to the LGBT+ community
PFLAG Cedar Rapids - Multiple support groups related to LGBT+ community and families
Trans in Relationship - Iowa City - closed therapy/support group for partners in which one partner is experiencing transition (LGBT+)
NonBinary Identity - Iowa City - closed therapy/support group for nonbinary individuals
Virtual:
OCD Therapy Group - Deloria Berks, LCSW - Zoom, monthly
DBT Skills Group - Deloria Berks, LCSW - Zoom, monthly
Parent Support Group - for parents/caregivers of students struggling with mental health concerns
Moms Supporting Moms - Dr. JoAnna Romero Cartaya - support group for moms of newborns, infants, and/or young children
Coping with Bipolar 1- online peer to peer support
Parent Support Group - peer to peer support for parents and caregivers of children with special needs
Teen Support Group - youth-lead discussions on topics of mental health, youth voice and choice in decision making, self-advocacy, and navigating resources to improve your involvement in your treatment plan
Multicultural Family Center's LGBTQ+ Support groups for youth, adults, and family/friends - in-person or via Zoom - Dubuque, IA
Gender Spectrum - virtual support group for LGBT+ ages 10-12
Transformations Iowa - support group for transgender and non-binary people - virtual via discord
TransVerse support group for trans individuals and allies
BUTTERFLY Talks - virtual peer support for LGBT+ and marginalized individuals
GenderQueer - virtual peer support for gender non-conforming/genderqueer/trans individuals