Iowa · Listings Checked October 2026

Mental Health Care in Iowa

Where Can You Get Affordable Mental Health Care in Iowa?

SAMHSA's FindTreatment.gov lists 160 mental health facilities in Iowa, in 79 cities. Of these, 157 accept Medicaid, 92 offer a sliding fee or payment help, 136 offer telehealth therapy and 145 treat children and teens. In a crisis, call or text 988.

Mental health facilities
160
Accept Medicaid
157
Sliding fee or payment help
92
Telehealth therapy
136

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Mental Health Facilities by City in Iowa

The Iowa cities with the most SAMHSA-listed mental health facilities. All 79 cities are listed below the table.

Mental health facilities in Iowa by city
CityFacilitiesMedicaidSliding fee or helpChildren and teensTelehealth
Mental health care in Des Moines131361110
Mental health care in Sioux City11116108
Mental health care in Carroll66366
Mental health care in Cedar Rapids66053
Mental health care in Iowa City65245
Mental health care in Mason City55343
Mental health care in Davenport44032
Mental health care in Spencer44334
Mental health care in Waterloo44344
Mental health care in Ames33332
Mental health care in Ankeny33133
Mental health care in Dubuque33111
Mental health care in Fort Dodge33333
Mental health care in Independence33032
Mental health care in Indianola33233
Mental health care in Newton33333
Mental health care in Ottumwa33333
Mental health care in Sac City33133
Mental health care in Bettendorf21011
Mental health care in Centerville22222
All 79 Cities in Iowa With Mental Health Facilities

Crisis and Support Lines in Iowa

Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time. Iowa's Mobile Crisis Response teams come to the person in crisis at home, school or a public place, and in most situations crisis staff arrive within 60 minutes. Teams serve children, youth and adults 24/7. Contact 988 or Your Life Iowa for help.

Iowa's Mental Health Agency

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS), Division of Behavioral Health oversees public mental health services in Iowa.

Medicaid Mental Health Coverage in Iowa

Iowa's Medicaid program is Iowa Medicaid: Iowa Health Link (managed care), Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP) and Hawki (Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa). Most Iowa Medicaid members are enrolled in the Iowa Health Link managed care program, which provides coverage through a Managed Care Organization (MCO) of the member's choice and integrates physical, behavioral and long-term care services into a single program. Some members receive coverage through a fee-for-service model instead. For mental health or substance use services, members call their MCO. Covered mental health services the state names include Outpatient mental health and substance abuse, Inpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment, Crisis services, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS), including applied behavior analysis, Functional Family Therapy and Multi-Systemic Therapy, Subacute mental health services, Psychiatric Medical Institutions for Children (PMIC) and (b)(3) services: intensive psychiatric rehabilitation, community support services, peer support and residential substance use treatment (MCO members only). Coverage differs by program. Under IHAWP, residential treatment is not covered for inpatient treatment and BHIS, and Functional Family Therapy and Multi-Systemic Therapy are covered for 19- to 21-year-olds. Hawki does not cover ACT or PMIC. Subacute mental health services may require prior authorization under IHAWP and Hawki.

Safety Net Providers: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) and Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) in the Behavioral Health Service System

A safety net provider, such as a certified community behavioral health clinic, community mental health center, community health center or public hospital, helps people with low income or no insurance and offers care even if someone can't pay. Since July 1, 2025, Iowans without insurance or with very limited insurance can get help through the Behavioral Health Service System.

Check a Therapist's License in Iowa

Before you start, confirm your therapist or psychologist holds an active Iowa license.

Guides for Your Next Step

See how to find a therapist, how sliding-scale therapy works, whether Medicaid covers therapy and the difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist.

Related on rehab.help: addiction treatment in Iowa.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Mental Health Clinics Are in Iowa?

SAMHSA's FindTreatment.gov lists 160 mental health facilities in Iowa (checked October 2026), the most in Des Moines (13).

Is There Low-Cost Therapy in Iowa?

92 of the listed facilities offer a sliding fee scale based on income or other payment assistance, and 117 receive state, county or block-grant funding. Ask about fees when you call.

Which Iowa Mental Health Clinics Accept Medicaid?

157 of the 160 listed facilities accept Medicaid. Confirm your specific plan when you call.

Sources

  1. SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov listing data, checked October 2026
  2. Iowa crisis services
  3. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS), Division of Behavioral Health
  4. Find local services through Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS), Division of Behavioral Health
  5. Iowa Medicaid: Iowa Health Link (managed care), Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP) and Hawki (Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa) mental health services
  6. Iowa Medicaid behavioral health
  7. Psychologists: Iowa Board of Psychology (Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing)

In crisis? Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. anxiety.help is an independent guide, not a mental health provider or crisis service, and doesn't give medical advice. For a free, confidential referral, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.