Mental Health in Iowa

15 verified resources.

About Mental Health for Fathers

Mental health services in the US range from free crisis lines and public community mental health centers to private therapy and inpatient care. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline operates 24/7 nationwide and is free and confidential. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) connects callers with local treatment resources for mental health and substance use. Community Mental Health Centers exist in every state and serve people regardless of ability to pay, usually on sliding-scale fees. Medicaid covers mental health care in all states, and the ACA requires insurance plans to cover mental health at parity with medical care. Fathers are particularly at risk for undiagnosed depression, anxiety, and substance issues around separation and custody disputes — this directory surfaces crisis lines, low-cost therapy, support groups specifically for men, and state mental health authorities.

Mental Health in Iowa

Iowa district courts hear family cases in all 99 counties, with the Child Support Recovery Unit under the Department of Human Services managing enforcement. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City are the largest metros. Iowa Legal Aid is the statewide LSC-funded program, with every county having a self-represented litigant coordinator.

15 Resources

1. NAMI Iowa — Free

State affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness offering mental health education, peer-led support groups, family programs, and advocacy across Iowa. Fathers dealing with depression, anxiety, or supporting a child with mental illness can join free groups, attend workshops, or be referred to local providers. Contact by phone or email to find a nearby chapter. Services are free and available statewide from the Des Moines office.

515-254-0417 · 511 10th St, Des Moines, IA 50309 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Iowa Department of Health & Human Services – Behavioral Health — Free

State division overseeing Iowa's public mental health and substance abuse system including Medicaid behavioral health benefits, crisis response, and access to community providers. Fathers can call for guidance on coverage, find in-network counselors, or learn about programs like mobile crisis teams. Bring insurance info or Medicaid ID when following up with providers. Central office in Des Moines with statewide reach.

515-281-5516 · 321 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA 50319 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Eyerly Ball Community Mental Health — Paid

Community mental health agency providing outpatient counseling, medication management, case management, and crisis services in central Iowa. Fathers can schedule individual therapy, family sessions, or psychiatric evaluations. Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance accepted with a sliding fee scale for self-pay. Bring insurance card, ID, and any prior treatment records. Main office in Des Moines with additional Polk County locations.

515-241-0982 · 945 19th St, Des Moines, IA 50314 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Abbe Center for Community Mental Health — Paid

Community mental health provider serving Cedar Rapids and eastern Iowa with outpatient therapy, psychiatric care, crisis services, and case management. Fathers can access individual counseling, family therapy, and medication management. Medicaid and most private insurance are accepted, with sliding-fee options for uninsured clients. Bring insurance card, photo ID, and prior records to intake. Appointments scheduled by phone during weekday hours.

319-398-3562 · 520 11th St NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

5. Foundation 2 – Crisis Services — Free

24/7 crisis line and mobile crisis response for eastern Iowa residents in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. Trained counselors answer calls around the clock and can dispatch mobile teams to homes or community locations in Linn and surrounding counties. Fathers in crisis or worried about a loved one can call anytime at no cost. Also offers follow-up support and connects callers to longer-term care. Free and confidential.

319-362-2174 · 1540 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

6. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Iowa — Free

Free 24/7 crisis support line staffed by trained counselors for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or a mental health crisis. Iowa calls route to in-state or regional centers when possible. Fathers can call, text, or chat 988 at any time. The service is confidential, available in English and Spanish, and can connect callers to local resources. No insurance or ID required. Always free of charge.

988 · 24/7 · Visit Website

7. UnityPoint Health – Behavioral Health — Paid

Health system offering outpatient mental health counseling, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and inpatient behavioral care across Iowa. Services include individual, couples, and family therapy, with specialized programs for depression, anxiety, and addiction. Fathers can schedule through the main line and are referred to the closest clinic. Most private insurance and Medicaid accepted. Bring insurance card and photo ID to each visit.

515-241-6212 · 1200 Pleasant St, Des Moines, IA 50309 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Seasons Center for Behavioral Health — Paid

Community mental health provider serving northwest Iowa with outpatient therapy, psychiatric services, substance abuse treatment, and crisis response. Fathers can access individual counseling, family therapy, and medication management at the Spencer office or satellite locations. Medicaid and most private insurance accepted; sliding fee available. Bring insurance card, photo ID, and prior treatment records to the first appointment.

712-262-2922 · 920 18th St, Spencer, IA 51301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Hillcrest Family Services – Dubuque — Paid

Nonprofit offering mental health counseling, behavioral health, and family services in northeast Iowa. Fathers can access individual therapy, family counseling, psychiatric evaluations, and youth services at the Dubuque campus. Medicaid and most private insurance accepted with sliding-scale options for self-pay clients. Bring insurance card, photo ID, and any prior treatment records. Intake appointments scheduled by phone.

563-583-7357 · 2005 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, IA 52001 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Sioux City Community Mental Health Center — Paid

Outpatient mental health services for western Iowa residents including individual counseling, psychiatric medication management, and case management. Fathers can schedule therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, and family stress. Medicaid and most private insurance accepted with sliding-fee options for uninsured clients. Bring insurance card, photo ID, and any prior records to the first appointment. Located in downtown Sioux City.

712-252-3871 · 625 Court St, Sioux City, IA 51101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. University of Iowa Hospitals – Psychiatry — Paid

Academic medical center providing comprehensive psychiatric care including outpatient clinics, inpatient units, specialty programs, and research-based treatment for complex mental health conditions. Fathers may be seen for mood disorders, PTSD, or child and adolescent concerns. Referral from a primary care provider often speeds access. Most insurance accepted; financial counselors can discuss payment options. Located at the main hospital in Iowa City.

319-356-1616 · 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Plains Area Mental Health Center — Paid

Community mental health services for southwest Iowa residents with outpatient therapy, psychiatric medication management, crisis response, and case management. Fathers can schedule individual counseling, family sessions, or evaluations. Medicaid and most private insurance accepted with sliding-fee options for the uninsured. Bring insurance card, photo ID, and prior records to intake. Main office in Clarinda with satellite sites across the region.

712-246-4509 · 407 S 17th St, Clarinda, IA 51632 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Pathways Behavioral Services – Waterloo — Paid

Mental health and substance abuse provider serving northeast Iowa with outpatient therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and behavioral health programs. Fathers can access individual counseling, addiction services, and family support at the Waterloo office. Medicaid and most private insurance are accepted; sliding fees may be available. Bring insurance card, photo ID, and any previous records to the initial assessment for faster intake.

319-235-6571 · 111 E Mullan Ave, Waterloo, IA 50703 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Crisis Intervention & Advocacy Center – Mason City — Free

24/7 crisis intervention and mental health support line for north central Iowa serving residents in emotional distress, domestic violence situations, or at risk of suicide. Trained advocates answer calls around the clock and can coordinate safety planning, shelter, and follow-up referrals. Fathers can call anytime at no charge. The office is based in Mason City and serves surrounding rural counties. Free and confidential service.

641-424-9071 · PO Box 773, Mason City, IA 50402 · 24/7 crisis line

15. MercyOne Behavioral Health – Des Moines — Paid

Hospital-based behavioral health program providing inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient therapy, and partial hospitalization for central Iowa residents. Services include crisis stabilization, medication management, and group therapy for adults and adolescents. Fathers in acute crisis can present to the emergency department for evaluation. Most insurance accepted, with financial counselors available. Located at the main MercyOne Des Moines campus.

515-247-3121 · 1111 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Mental Health — Common Questions

I'm in crisis right now — who do I call?
Dial or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free and confidential, 24/7 nationwide. Veterans press 1. For non-crisis mental health support, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
How do I find a therapist I can afford?
Community Mental Health Centers (every state has them) charge on sliding-scale based on income. Medicaid covers therapy in all states. Private insurance must cover mental health at parity with medical care. Psychology Today's therapist finder lets you filter by insurance. Open Path Collective offers
0–$80 sessions.
Can therapy hurt my custody case?
Almost always no — judges view voluntarily-sought mental health treatment as responsible parenting. Therapists must keep sessions confidential (with narrow exceptions: child abuse disclosure, imminent self-harm). Court-ordered evaluations are different from voluntary therapy.
Is there support specifically for men?
Yes. Face It Foundation, HeadsUpGuys, Men's Sheds, and Man Therapy run men-focused programs. Many community mental health centers run men-only groups. Fatherhood programs often include peer support as part of their model.