Mental Health Resources

Below is a comprehensive list of services ready and able to serve you, your family, a colleague, student or friend in distress. There are a variety of resources, on-campus and in the community, that are available whether in crisis or just needing someone to talk with. Many resources are available 24/7.

Employee Resources

Mental Health Resources for ISU Employees is available for download here

Urgent Situation (person in crisis) 24/7 Options

Mary Greeley Medical Center Behavioral Health Services focuses on providing compassionate care, with the goal of helping patients cope in order to lead productive lives. Mary Greeley Medical Center provides mental health services regardless of a person's ability to pay. Talk to a nurse 24 hours a day for free health care advice, resources, and referrals.

Call 1-800-447-1985

Program of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (Statewide)

Iowa Concern offers information and referrals on legal education, financial concerns, stress counseling and crisis/disaster.  These services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at no charge.  Access their website here.

Call 1-800-327-4692

Employee & Family Resources (EFR) for Iowa State University Employees

EFR helps employees and their family with issues affecting your day-to-day life, such as stress, anxiety, depression, parenting, relationships, and legal and financial concerns.  A licensed professional counselor is available 24 hours a day to help you decide what steps to take. Visit the website here.     

Call 1-800-273-8255 or 9-8-8, or online chat function

NOTE: the dial 9-8-8 is a new option that began July 16, 2022 for ease of access

We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals across the United States.  The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 180 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices. Call or visit the website here to chat with someone live or get more information

Call 1-855-581-8111, text 1-855-895-8398, or online chat function

Part of Iowa Department of Public Health

Your Life Iowa provides crisis service coordination, linkages to crisis screening and mental health services 24 hours a day with Mobile Crisis Response Team (on-site, face-to-face mental health crisis services).  In conjunction with Mobile Crisis Response Team, the Crisis Stabilization Community-Based Services (CSCBS) are short-term (5-day) services designed to stabilize an individual experiencing a mental health crisis in the community.  They also provide information, referral, and counseling.  Call, text or visit the website here to chat to someone live or get more information.

Text ISU to 741741

515-294-4428

Non-Urgent (On Campus)


If it is not a life-threatening situation, but you are still concerned or looking for additional support and resources, you may want to connect with one of the resources listed below:

Mental Well-Being for Faculty and Staff

  • This course provides faculty and staff with information to navigate personal and community mental wellness. Access the course here or by searching "Mental Well-Being for Faculty and Staff" in Workday Learning. 

LinkedIn Learning Content

Free online self-help tool for the Iowa State University community.  

You will have instant access to tools that will help you navigate your mental well-being.  TAO is an online library of engaging, interactive programs that help you learn life skills and bounce back from disappointments and stumbling blocks. As you watch their videos and engage with the interactive components, you’ll gain the necessary knowledge and self-awareness to achieve your specific goals. Check out the website here

Call 515-294-1898 to make an appointment

Network Community Counseling offers mostly group counseling sessions with topics including relationship problems, adjustment to life events, understanding yourself and developing self-esteem. Check out the website here

Free online self-help tool for the Iowa State University community.  

Project Recovery Iowa (formally COVID Recovery Iowa) offers free virtual counseling and assistance for all Iowans needing support.  Visit their website to call or submit a form to get in contact with a counselor. Counselors are available 24/7 and ready to help.

Call 515-294-5056 Monday- Friday from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Student Counseling Services (SCS) provides clinical and campus-based services to help students achieve their educational and personal goals through confidential prevention, intervention, information and referral services.

Community Mental Health Resources

Options in the community or from home!

Call 1-855-581-8111 or text 1-855-895-8398 (statewide)

CMHC provides mental health services for individuals of all ages regardless of funding.  Services include outpatient services, 24-hour emergency services, day treatment, partial hospitalization, or psychosocial rehabilitation services, community support services, consultation services and education services.  Check out the website here.

Call - 211

A nationwide three-digit hotline for finding local access to health care, mental health resources, food, employment, government help and other needs -- a one-stop shop for health and human services. State communications about the coronavirus in Iowa often have recommended calling 211 as a source for individualized help. Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call 515-232-5811 or 515-232- 3206 (Ames location)

Community and Family Resources are dedicated to proactively assisting individuals, families, and communities achieve healthy behavior and lifestyle through advocacy, prevention, and treatment of substance abuse, problem gambling, and mental illness.  Check out the website here.

Call 515-598-3300 or 515-241-0982 (Ames location)

Eyerly Ball offers a full continuum of mental health services and treatment to meet the needs of our community, from family and individual counseling to outpatient care for all ages.  They provide comprehensive, effective mental health services with focus on outpatient, residential, community outreach, care coordination and crisis services. Check out the website here.

Call 1-800-273-8255 (statewide)

NAMI is a nationwide advocacy group, representing families and people affected by mental health disorders in the United States. From support groups and education to outreach and advocacy, NAMI IOWA works to provide the tools needed by friends, families and persons with mental illness of all ages.  Check out the website here