Programs Children’s Behavioral Health
Children’s Behavioral Health Service Funding Requirements:
- Individual in need of services is under the age of 18
- Custodial parent is a resident of the state and child is physically present in the state
- Family income is below 500% Federal Poverty Level
- 150% - 499% FPL subject to a cost share for some services
- Child has a diagnosis of a Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED)
For more information please contact:
Emma Hall, Children’s Behavioral Health Coordinator
ehall@countysocialservices.org
641-251-1043
Getting Started: Service Coordination
Our service coordinators will work with you to secure funding and connect your child to local providers to address their mental and behavioral health needs. To access this service, contact your local service area supervisor:
Emma Hall: 641-251-1043
Children’s Behavioral Health Coordinator
Sheri Vierkant: 641-251-1381
North Service Area Supervisor
Sarah Janssen: 641-251-1703
South Service Area Supervisor
Monica Paulsen: 319-505-3991
CSS Transition Specialist
Children's Behavioral Health Services:
Outpatient services including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy can be accessed through our Community Mental Health Centers.
Find Your Community Mental Health Center
Prevention
Efforts to increase awareness and understanding of the causes and nature of conditions or situations which affect an individual’s functioning in society. Convey info about the cause of conditions, situations, or problems, that interfere with occurrence or reduce their effort and may include training events, webinars, presentations, and public meetings.
Education
Activities that increase awareness and understanding of the causes and nature of conditions or factors which affect an individual’s development and functioning. Ask us about our Mental Health First Aid classes.
Early Identification
The process of detecting developmental delays or untreated conditions that may indicate the need for further evaluation.
Assessment and Evaluation
A clinical review by a mental health professional of the current functioning of individual using the service in regard to the individual’s situation, needs, strengths, abilities, desires, and goals to determine the appropriate level of care.
Early Intervention
Services designed to address the social, emotional, and developmental needs of children at their earliest stages to decrease long-term effects and provide support in meeting developmental milestones.
Youth Crisis Services
*SED diagnosis not required to access crisis services
Mobile Crisis Response
On-site, in-person interventions for those experiencing a mental health crisis. This service is free to access for all youth and adults in the CSS region. To access this service, call Your Life Iowa: 855-581-8111
Crisis Stabilization Community-Based Services
A program designed to stabilize an acute crisis episode and to restore an individual and family to their pre-crisis level of functioning.
Crisis Stabilization Residential-Based Services
Short-term services provided in a facility-based setting with the goal to stabilize then reintegrate the youth back into the community. The first five days of services are covered for all children in CSS region, regardless of financial status. Following the first five days, families may be subject to a cost share based on financial eligibility.
To access residential crisis stabilization services, please call your closest youth crisis stabilization provider and request a CSS crisis bed. From there, the provider will conduct an assessment to determine program eligibility for services.
Brownstone Youth Services
319-229-2240
1402 Logan Ave., Waterloo, Iowa 50703
Francis Lauer (YSS)
641-423-7362
50 N Eisenhower Ave, Mason City, IA 50401
Behavioral Health Inpatient Treatment
Utilized to stabilize an individual with an acute psychiatric condition.
Mercy One North Iowa
641-428-7000
1000 4th St. SW Mason City, IA 50401
Mercy One Waterloo
319-272-8922
2750 St. Francis Dr. Waterloo, IA 50401
Documents & Next Steps
If you are interested in the program, visit our Documents & Policies page to review our policies and procedures, rights and responsibilities, privacy practices, and more. You can also fill out an online pre-screen form or download an application.
