United We Change the Conversation about Mental Health

In times of crisis, like the one we face now, it’s especially important to support mental health. Studies show that one in five adults experience mental illness, yet less than half receive the support they need.

 

Many individuals do not seek mental health treatment because of a lack of resources or the feared stigma attached to mental illness. 

 

What You Can Do to Change the Conversation

The social distancing our community is practicing can lead to increased feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, boredom, anger, frustration, irritability and even stigmitization if you are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Learn to recognize these feelings and reach out to family, friends or other people in your support network or a trained professional to talk about your mental health.

 

What United Way of North Central Iowa is Doing to Change the Conversation

With localized partnerships, United Way aims to change the conversation about mental health in North Central Iowa. By providing access to quality, affordable health care, United Way’s partners ensure that our communities get the mental health resources they need. If you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, suicidal or dealing with other mental health challenges one of these programs could help:

 

    • County Social Services – General Support Hotline: 1-855-266-1257, www.countysocialservices.org
      • CSS will provide telehealth mental health services or link individuals with a provider for anyone in our service area who needs counseling. There is no cost to the individual for the service and no borders to their geographical area.
    • Francis Lauer Shelter & Residential Adolescent Addiction Program – 50 N Eisenhower, Mason City - 641-423-7362
      • Shelter & Treatment programs are open – no visitors and no off-site travel
      • All out-patient mental health counselors, substance abuse counselors and medication providers are seeing patients via Telehealth. No patients being seen in person at this time.
      • Partnership School & Day Programs – Currently Suspended
    • Iowa Warm Line – 1-844-775-WARM(9276) – Residents of Franklin and Hardin Counties
      • 2pm – 10 pm daily
      • Peer-run, telephone based, non-crisis, confidential listening line for anyone struggling with mental health or substance use issues.
    • MercyOne Behavioral Health – 1000 4th St SW, Mason City – 641-428-7797
      • Inpatient unit remains open for adults and adolescents.
      • Outpatient therapy sessions provided by telehealth. If there is a barrier with telehealth, contact our office. Still accepting new patients.
    • Prairie Ridge Integrated Behavioral Healthcare – 320 N Eisenhower, Mason City - 641-424-2391
      • Crisis Counselor available 24/7.
      • No Residential referrals are being accepted. Residential treatment has closed. Additional outpatient services will be available to those in need.
      • Groups – currently going on via telehealth. Contact Prairie Ridge for more information.
      • Now offering outpatient mental health and substance abuse prescribing for children and adolescents (ages 6-17) Call Prairie Ridge to schedule an appointment – 641-424-2391
      • Individual services may be provided by telehealth and staff in the office
      • New therapy patient walk in hours: Tuesday & Wednesday – Noon and 1:30pm.
      • New psychiatric prescribing service walk in hours: Tuesdays & Wednesdays – 8am and 9am.
      • Integrated Health Home has discontinued face to face visits & are increasing the # of phone contacts. Treatment planning/staffing will be done via teleconference.
    • Salvation Army Support Line– 641-424-4031
      • 9am – 3:30pm
      • For those that desire to pray with someone, share scripture, or just talk
      • Can help refer people to support services/counseling as needed.
    • Senior Life Solutions – 308 N Maple Ave, New Hampton – 641-394-1627
    • Turning Leaf Counseling, Inc. – 103 E State St., Mason City - 641-421-2089
      • Normal Hours of Operation –
      • As of 3/24/20, telehealth appointments only.
    • Veteran's Affairs – Crisis Line – 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
      • Covered 24/7
    • Your Life Iowa – CRISIS LINE: 855-581-8111, or text 855-895-8398, www.yourlifeiowa.org

 

United we can change the conversation around mental health.