Navigating the Behavioral Health Service System
If you or someone you know needs help with mental health or substance use and you're not sure where to go,
Call Your Life Iowa at 855-581-8111.
Iowa’s Behavioral Health Service System is changing.
On May 15, 2024, a new law (House File 2673) was signed. This law combines mental health and substance use services into one system, now called the Behavioral Health Service System.
This new system starts on July 1, 2025.
The new system will make it easier for mental health and substance use providers to help Iowans get the care they need, no matter where they go for help.
Where do I start?
If you or someone you care about is struggling, it can be hard to understand the best ways to find support.
All Iowans can call, text, or chat Your Life Iowa to get support 24/7.
System Navigation is here to guide you.
When you reach out to Your Life Iowa, you can connect with a Behavioral Health System Navigator who can help you understand your options and guide you through the behavioral health system.
System Navigators are trained to help you find the right behavioral health care and services. System Navigation services are available to all Iowans free of charge. There are no insurance requirements.
When you contact Your Life Iowa, a System Navigator can:
Talk with you on the phone or help you online.
Listen and learn about your needs.
Connect you with providers who can get you the right care.
Help you find services to assist with basic needs, housing or job problems.
Accessing Services Before July 1
Iowa's mental health system currently provides locally delivered services that are managed by regions. This program provides mental health services to adults and children within their local region.
Questions about accessing services before July 1, 2025, can still be directed to your local region.
A map of the regions can be accessed here or by clicking on the map below.
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Website: www.ccnia.org
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Website: www.cicsmhds.org
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Website: www.countysocialservices.org
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Website: www.easterniowamhds.org
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Website: www.hicsiowa.org
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Website: www.mhasei.org
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Website: www.ecriowa.org
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Website: www.rollinghillsregion.com
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Website: www.siouxrivers.com
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Website: www.swiamhds.com
What is the Behavioral Health Service System?
The new Behavioral Health Service System starts on July 1, 2025. This new system will make it easier for mental health and substance use providers to help Iowans get the care they need, no matter where they go for help.
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There is no wrong door to accessing mental health and substance use services.
No matter where you are in the state, you can get the help you need.
As the Administrative Service Organization (ASO), the Iowa Primary Care Association, will handle tasks on the backend that make it easier for behavioral health providers to focus on giving quality care.
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Nothing will change for Iowans who have Medicaid or private insurance, services and providers will stay the same.
Iowans who do not have insurance or very limited insurance will be able to get help through the Behavioral Health Service System.
All Iowans can use Your Life Iowa to get support through calls, texts, or chats. Behavioral Health System Navigators will guide people to the right care and services.
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Behavioral Health means mental health and addictive disorders, including mental illness, substance use, problem gambling, and tobacco and nicotine dependence.
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A “safety net provider” is a healthcare provider, like a certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC), community mental health center (CMHC), community health center (CHC), or public hospital, that helps people with low income or no insurance.
These providers offer care even if someone can’t pay.
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Safety Net Services will include:
Mental health and substance use education, prevention and early intervention
Crisis services for Iowans who need help right away
Services to support individuals’ recovery
Outpatient treatment for mental health and substance use disorder
High-intensity treatment for serious needs
Alternatives to hospital care
Inpatient and residential treatment
Help for people involved in the justice system
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System Navigation is a process that helps individuals understand and access the services they need. System Navigators help Iowans by:
Educating them on available services and options
Helping schedule appointments
Connecting to support groups and other resources
Helping to address barriers to care and troubleshoot when access is challenging
Anyone can use the System Navigation—there are no rules about who qualifies.
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If you or someone you know needs help with mental health or substance use services and you're not sure where to go, call Your Life Iowa at 855-581-8111. They are here to help you find the support you need 24/7.
Additional Resources
Learn more about navigating the system
View the flyer for individuals and caregivers here.
Disability Services
Iowans seeking information about disability services can find more information by visiting the Iowa HHS Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) website.
Consumer Grievances
Consumers may submit grievances by mail, email, online, or phone. Find more information here.