Mental Health Resources for ISU Employees 

is available for download here.

 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress.

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.

Urgent Situation (person is in crisis) 24/7 Options

Resources for immediate concerns about an individual's safety or the safety of others (if you think they might cause harm to self or someone else):

If there is an immediate threat to self or others, you are strongly encouraged to contact 911.

Your Life Iowa: 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. 

Iowa Concern Hotline: 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.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 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.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 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.     

Mary Greeley Medical Center – Call 515-239-6877 or 1-800-524-6877 

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.

ULifeline 24-hour Crisis Text line - Text ISU to 741741

Iowa State University Police Department - 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:

Workday Learning Mental Health Trainings

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

• You can access a library of LinkedIn Learning mental health courses by clicking here or searching "mental health" in Workday Learning. Courses include Improving Your Mental Health at Work, Three Steps to Mental Well Being at Work, and Well-Being in the Workplace.

Project Recovery Iowa

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.

Network Community Counseling 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.   

TAO (Therapy Assistance Online)

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 wellbeing.  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.

Iowa State Student Counseling Services: 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

Community Mental Health Resources: 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.  

2-1-1 Hotline: 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.

Community & Family Resource: 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.

Eyerly Ball Mental Health Community Center: 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.

NAMI  (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Iowa : 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.

National Mental Health Resources

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Mental Health and COVID19 resources (national)

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives. Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient.  Check out website here.