Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health Services at Iowa Lutheran Hospital

Iowa Lutheran Hospital is committed to providing high quality behavioral health services. We offer inpatient and outpatient services and treatment to meet the needs of our community as well as alcohol and substance abuse treatment services. Our behavioral health professionals will provide an assessment during an initial visit to determine which level of care is most appropriate for each individual. We ensure confidentiality is maintained at all levels of care.

Behavioral Health Services offers an extensive spectrum of care covering all age groups and types of programs. 

Mission Statement

We believe in improving the health of our communities through healing, caring and teaching. Our mission statement gives us the groundwork to practice principles that guide us in delivering quality services.

Adult Inpatient Services

The adult mental health inpatient unit provides expert care to patients 18 years of age and older who are suffering from a wide variety of emotional disorders. Hospitalization for psychiatric disorders provides a safe, secure and protected environment. Inpatient care allows for crisis stabilization, evaluation, treatment and medication management, without the added stress of managing one's home, job, education or social obligations. The adult inpatient unit is a 36-bed, closed inpatient mental health unit.

Team Approach

We believe in a multidisciplinary team approach to patient care. Our qualified staff members care for patients in a holistic, compassionate manner, directing practice toward the promotion, maintenance and restoration of behavioral wellness. The multidisciplinary team includes registered nurses and behavioral health partners with CNA training who are skilled in psychiatric nursing assessment and treatment, social workers, recreational therapists, occupational therapists and a chaplain. Every patient's treatment is under the supervision of a psychiatrist who directs the individualized treatment plan and coordinates discharge plans. Appropriate specialty consults are provided as needed.

Program Overview

The adult inpatient program is a combination of behavioral and cognitive approaches to treatment. Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis are the first steps to proper treatment. Many times medical conditions can mimic psychiatric illness, so detailed assessments are conducted. Assessments may involve interviewing the patient and their family as well as conducting physical exams, psychological testing and laboratory tests.

• Individual and group therapy
• Stress and anger management
• Occupational assessment and skill development
• Leisure skills
• Medication education group led by a licensed pharmacist
• Spirituality group led by a chaplain
• Pet therapy

Older Adult Inpatient Services

The older adult inpatient mental health unit provides care to patients 55 years of age and older who are suffering from dementia, depression or a variety of other emotional disorders. The decision to come to the hospital is difficult for both the patient and their family. It is our hope to not only give quality care to the patient, but to be supportive and helpful to the families as well. The older adult inpatient unit is a 12-bed, closed inpatient mental health unit.

Team Approach

Using a multidisciplinary team approach, our qualified staff members care for patients in a holistic, compassionate manner, directing practice toward the promotion, maintenance and restoration of behavioral wellness. This team includes registered nurses and behavioral health partners with CNA training who are skilled in psychiatric nursing assessment and treatment, social workers, recreational therapists, occupational therapists and a chaplain. Every patient's treatment is under the supervision of a psychiatrist who directs the individualized treatment plan. Appropriate specialty consults are provided as needed.

Services and Treatment

Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis are the first steps to proper treatment. Many times medical conditions can mimic psychiatric illness, so detailed assessments are conducted. Assessments may involve interviewing the patient and their family as well as conducting physical exams, psychological testing and laboratory tests. In addition to receiving psychotherapy and medications, patients participate in the following programs:

• Reminiscence therapy
• Current event discussions
• Spirituality discussions
• Leisure and exercise programs
• Pet therapy

Adult Intensive Outpatient Services

In order to meet the needs of our patients, Iowa Lutheran Hospital provides a variety of adult behavioral health services through our intensive outpatient hospital programs. Patients receive services during part of the day based on individual needs and return home at night. The appropriate service and level of care are determined individually through initial and ongoing assessments.

Focus of Outpatient Programs

• Provide education to client about diagnosis, symptom management and medication.
• Provide group therapy and individual therapy treatment time.
• Help client identify and express their feelings.
• Help client build their self-awareness and improve self-esteem and stress management.
• Help client develop effective communication skills, coping skills and problem solving abilities.
• Assist client with returning to individual and family responsibilities.
• Provide education about available community resources.
• Offer transitional care following completion of outpatient programs.

The dedicated, compassionate and caring staff is here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about our patient programs. For more information, please call (515) 263-5676.

If you're experiencing a crisis and thinking about suicide, or are worried about a loved one, call 988 to be connected with a National Suicide Lifeline counselor. If the situation requires immediate medical attention (e.g., intentional overdose, self-harm injuries requiring medical attention), please continue to call 911.