Iowa’s Youth Mental health Crisis: A Struggle for Access and Solutions
Two years ago, Bailey Prieve’s 6-year-old son reached a breaking point. diagnosed with post-traumatic stress and mood disorders, the Urbandale child had become increasingly aggressive toward his family. By the fall of 2022, Prieve and her husband were locking themselves in bedrooms or cars to escape his violent outbursts. one day, after an incident at football practice, prieve found her son with a bungee cord around his neck, attempting to hang himself from his loft bed.
“Had I waited five more minutes to come up and check on him, we wouldn’t have him here with us,” Prieve said.
This harrowing story is just one example of the challenges faced by Iowa’s youth and their families as they navigate a fragmented mental health care system. The Des Moines Register’s series, Young and in Crisis, delves into the struggles of young Iowans and their families to access mental and behavioral health services, the barriers they face, and potential solutions from state officials.
The Roadblocks to Care
Rachel Callahan’s experience mirrors that of many Iowa parents. Over several years, she encountered constant roadblocks while trying to secure mental health services for her son. These barriers include long wait times, limited availability of specialized care, and a lack of resources in rural areas.
The crisis is not isolated. Iowa’s youth are grappling with a range of mental health issues, from anxiety and depression to more severe conditions like PTSD and mood disorders. Yet, the state’s mental health infrastructure struggles to meet the growing demand.
A Call for Solutions
The Young and in Crisis series highlights the urgent need for systemic change. State officials are exploring ways to improve access to care, including expanding telehealth services, increasing funding for mental health programs, and training more professionals to address the unique needs of young Iowans.
One promising initiative is the Iowa Warm Line, a non-crisis, confidential listening line for anyone struggling with mental health or substance use issues. Staffed by empathetic individuals who understand these challenges, the Warm Line offers a lifeline for those in need.
Key Challenges and Solutions
| Challenge | potential Solution |
|————————————|——————————————–|
| Long wait times for care | Expand telehealth services |
| Limited specialized care providers | Increase funding for mental health programs|
| Lack of rural resources | Train more mental health professionals |
Moving Forward
The stories of Bailey Prieve, Rachel Callahan, and countless others underscore the urgency of addressing Iowa’s youth mental health crisis. While the road ahead is challenging, initiatives like the Iowa Warm Line and ongoing efforts by state officials offer hope for a brighter future.
for families in crisis, reaching out to a school counselor, family doctor, or organizations like Ellipsis can be a critical first step. Together, we can ensure that Iowa’s youth receive the care and support they need to thrive.
Michaela Ramm reported this story while participating in the USC Annenberg Center for Health journalism’s 2024 Data Fellowship.
Iowa Families Struggle to Access Mental Health Care for Children Amid Rising Demand
Bailey Prieve’s story is one that resonates with countless families across Iowa. After adopting her son from the state’s foster system, Prieve was promised support from state agencies. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, her family fell off the radar, leaving her scrambling to find mental health care for her son. Months on waiting lists for therapists and other services culminated in a nearly fatal suicide attempt before her son finally received the help he needed.
“It’s terrible it takes something like that to get help,” Prieve said. “The trauma that that caused our family was huge.”
Her experience is not unique. Across Iowa, families are grappling with a mental health care system that often fails to provide timely and appropriate support for children and teens. As demand for youth mental health services surges, workforce shortages and a fragmented system have left many families in crisis.
A Growing Crisis in Iowa and Beyond
Adolescent and teen mental health issues have skyrocketed over the past decade, with Iowa mirroring a national trend. According to state data obtained by the Des Moines Register, 7,689 youth under the age of 21 received mental health and substance use disorder services in fiscal year 2023—a 40% increase from 2018.
Kelly Garcia, director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, emphasized the national scope of the problem. “It isn’t an Iowa-specific challenge, this is something we’re seeing nationally,” Garcia told the Des Moines Register. “The need for behavioral health services, especially for young folks in our lives, is far outpacing available service provisions, and that’s true nationwide.”
Barriers to Access
Experts point to Iowa’s historically underfunded and disjointed behavioral health system as a key barrier to care. Families often face a labyrinthine process to access essential services like therapy, residential treatment, or respite care. Without a clear pathway, many are left to navigate the system on their own, frequently enough reaching out for help only when their child’s mental health reaches a crisis point.
The Prieve family’s story underscores this systemic failure.“The trauma that that caused our family was huge,” Prieve said,reflecting on the toll of waiting for care.
Key Statistics: youth Mental Health in Iowa
| Year | Youth Receiving Services | Increase from 2018 |
|—————–|——————————|————————|
| 2018 | 5,492 | – |
| 2023 | 7,689 | 40% |
A Call for Change
Advocates and experts are urging systemic reforms to address the growing mental health crisis among Iowa’s youth.They emphasize the need for increased funding, streamlined access to services, and a stronger workforce to meet the rising demand.
For families like the Prieves, the stakes couldn’t be higher. “It’s terrible it takes something like that to get help,” Prieve said, echoing the frustration of many parents who feel abandoned by the system.
If you’re worried about your child’s mental health, experts offer advice on how to get help.
As Iowa grapples with this crisis, the stories of families like the Prieves serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for change. The time to act is now—before more lives are lost to a system that too frequently enough fails those who need it most.n# Navigating Iowa’s fragmented Youth Mental Health System: A Mother’s Struggle
For families in Iowa, accessing youth mental health services can feel like navigating a labyrinth with no clear exit. Rachel Callahan, a resident of Cascade, Iowa, knows this struggle all too well.Her son, Harry, began exhibiting defiant behaviors at the age of 4, setting off a years-long journey through a fragmented system that left her feeling lost and frustrated.
“For years we’re battling, and nobody knows what to do,” Callahan said. “We were passing through all of these doctors, all of these therapists, all these schools, all of these (medications), everything. Just bouncing off everything.”
A Patchwork of Services
iowa’s youth mental health system is often described as a patchwork of services, with no cohesive structure to guide families. Chaney Yeast, director of government relations and family services at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, explains, “We have terrific youth mental health service providers in the state, but we don’t have a system for kids, and so it ends up being this patchwork of services that families can’t figure out how to navigate.”
This lack of a unified system means that the availability and quality of services vary widely across the state. “What’s available here in Des Moines looks different than in Cedar Rapids, it looks different in Sioux City. It’s not an urban-rural divide, it’s like we don’t have a system,” Yeast added.
A mother’s journey
Callahan’s journey began when Harry was just 4 years old. She took him to clinician after clinician, seeking a diagnosis and later the right treatment. By the time harry was in second grade, doctors had tried nearly a dozen different medications to regulate his emotions.By fourth grade, that number had ballooned to 18 prescriptions.“We were passing through all of these doctors, all of these therapists, all these schools, all of these (medications), everything. Just bouncing off everything,” callahan recalled.
The family changed schools three times and sought out new therapies,all in an effort to find a solution to Harry’s increasingly worrisome outbursts. Despite their efforts, Callahan felt that no one had a clear answer on how to get her son the right level of care.
The Crisis Point
For many families, the path to treatment only becomes clear after a crisis. Callahan’s experience is a stark reminder of the challenges parents face when trying to navigate Iowa’s youth mental health system.
“like an impenetrable maze, families hit dead end after dead end — all while their children’s mental and behavioral issues continued to spiral,” Callahan said.
Key Challenges in Iowa’s Youth Mental Health System
| Challenge | Description |
|——————————|———————————————————————————|
| Fragmented Services | Lack of a unified system leads to inconsistent access across regions. |
| Medication Overload | Families often cycle through numerous medications without clear results. |
| School Transfers | Frequent school changes disrupt stability and continuity of care. |
| Crisis-Driven Care | Many families only access services after a crisis occurs. |
A Call for Change
Callahan’s story highlights the urgent need for a more cohesive and accessible youth mental health system in Iowa. Without early intervention and a clear path to services, families like hers are left to navigate a confusing and often ineffective system on their own.
As Yeast puts it, “We need a system that works for all kids, no matter where they live in Iowa.”
For now, Callahan continues to advocate for her son, hoping that one day the system will catch up to the needs of families like hers.
For more data on youth mental health resources in Iowa, visit Blank Children’s Hospital.A Mother’s struggle: How a 13-Year-Old’s Mental Health Journey Led to Court-Ordered Treatment
Rachel Callahan’s son,Harry,was just 11 years old when his violent outbursts became too much to handle. “He would punch out screens,hit staff and his family,and try to run away from school,” Callahan recalled. Desperate for help, she began calling the police, fearing Harry would seriously harm himself or others.
Despite her relentless efforts, harry was denied placement at every inpatient treatment facility across Iowa. Callahan drove him to the emergency department multiple times, but each visit ended with Harry being sent home without follow-up care.“I felt like I was hitting a wall,” she said.
with the help of school staff, Callahan signed paperwork to have Harry committed by a court to a residential youth treatment facility. At age 11, Harry entered a Cedar Rapids-based psychiatric medical institute for children (PMIC) for 90 days.
Now 13, Harry is doing well, but the experience left a lasting impact. “It was the reason that helped me get to where I am,” he told The Register. “It’s just a lot of stuff I didn’t like. It brings back a lot of bad memories, too. It’s been a lot.”
Callahan believes the situation could have been avoided if Harry had received early intervention. “I feel that people who should have known the signs failed us,” she said.
Key Points of Harry’s Journey
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Age at committal | 11 years old |
| Treatment Facility | Psychiatric Medical Institute for Children (PMIC) in Cedar Rapids |
| Duration of Stay | 90 days |
| Current Age | 13 years old |
| Outcome | Improved mental health, but with lingering negative memories |
The Broader Issue
Harry’s story highlights the challenges families face when seeking mental health care for children. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), early intervention is critical in addressing youth mental health issues. Yet, as Callahan’s experience shows, systemic barriers frequently enough prevent timely access to care.
A Call to Action
For families navigating similar struggles, resources like the NAMI Helpline and local mental health advocacy groups can provide support. early intervention programs, such as those offered by Mental Health America, are essential in preventing crises like Harry’s.
As Harry continues to heal, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of accessible mental health care for children. “It shouldn’t have to come to this,” Callahan said.“No family should have to go through what we did.”
For more information on youth mental health resources,visit NAMI or Mental Health America.
youth Mental Health Worsens Across Iowa, Nationwide
Today, more and more iowa families are finding themselves navigating a complex maze as the demand for mental and behavioral health services has surged in recent years. Mental health providers report that youth mental health has been deteriorating for at least the past decade, with the coronavirus pandemic accelerating the decline.
This troubling trend is underscored by data from the Iowa Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a federal survey that has tracked the habits and well-being of tens of thousands of Iowa high school students for decades. Notably, Iowa opted out of participating in the 2023 survey, leaving a gap in the most recent data.
Though, the 2021 Iowa Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed alarming statistics: 39% of Iowa students—or two out of five—experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year. Among LGBTQ+ youth, the figure skyrocketed to 68%.this marks a critically important increase from 33% in 2019 and 23% in 2011.
The survey also found that nearly 23% of students—more than 33,000—reported suicidal thoughts, a stark rise from 15% a decade earlier.These numbers reflect a broader national crisis,as highlighted by the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey across the U.S.
The Root of the Problem
Dr. Stephen Mandler, chief medical officer of orchard Place in Des Moines, points to systemic issues in Iowa’s mental health infrastructure. “Definitely in Iowa, there’s not enough mechanisms to identify and track sensitively how these things brew and become the volcanoes that they are at age 15,” he said.
Mandler emphasizes that early intervention is critical. Symptoms often appear as early as kindergarten, but without a systematic approach to evaluation and care, these issues go unaddressed. “We’re pretty certain that if we were to get in early, the amount of money and public energy invested in trying to change the trajectory for that child would be considerably less,” he explained.
The Role of Stigma
Kerby Hanson, clinical director of the PACE Center at Orchard Place, highlights the role of stigma in exacerbating the problem. “Parents may not receive support because there’s a lack of understanding of behavioral health conditions,” Hanson said. “It only exacerbates the problem, because no one thinks a mental health disorder exists until the child is older or maybe even an adult. So we just kick this can down the road constantly until the problem is too big,because no one really sees it.”
A National Crisis
Iowa’s struggles mirror a nationwide crisis.Across the U.S., youth mental health has been declining, with increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. The pandemic has only intensified these challenges, leaving families and providers scrambling for solutions.
Key Statistics
| Year | Persistent Sadness/Hopelessness | Suicidal Thoughts |
|———-|————————————|———————–|
| 2011 | 23% | 15% |
| 2019 | 33% | N/A |
| 2021 | 39% | 23% |
Moving Forward
Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach, including early identification, increased access to mental health services, and efforts to reduce stigma. As Iowa families continue to navigate this challenging landscape,the need for systemic change has never been more urgent.
For more information on youth mental health resources, visit Orchard Place or explore the Iowa Youth Risk Behavior Survey data.
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This article is based on data from the Iowa Youth Risk Behavior Survey and insights from mental health professionals at Orchard Place.n# Iowa’s Youth Mental Health Crisis: A Growing Concern
Iowa is grappling with a youth mental health crisis that has left many children and adolescents without access to necessary care. According to recent data, 40% of high school students in the state have experienced persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, while nearly 29% reported poor mental health. Alarmingly, 20% of these students seriously considered attempting suicide, and over 9% made an attempt. These statistics highlight a dire need for intervention and support.
The Struggle to Access Care
Despite the growing demand for mental health services, many young Iowans face significant barriers to accessing care. A federal report revealed that 61% of adolescents with a mental health diagnosis who needed treatment or counseling in 2023 reported difficulty obtaining it. This gap in care exacerbates the crisis,as untreated mental health issues frequently enough worsen over time.
Andrew Allen,CEO of YSS,emphasized the importance of early intervention. “The reality is, meeting the needs of the most acute youth is taxing on the system,” Allen said. “The possibility to provide early intervention and early identification is going to create less strain on the system as a whole.”
Legal Action and State Response
in early 2023, Disability Rights Iowa filed a class-action lawsuit against the state, accusing it of denying Medicaid-eligible children their legal right to mental health care. The lawsuit alleged that Iowa’s mental health system was “inadequate,inaccessible,and dysfunctional,” despite receiving federal funding for behavioral health services.
The state eventually agreed to a settlement, promising to address the challenges raised in the lawsuit. However, the advocacy group declined to comment further on the matter.
Efforts to Overhaul the System
The issue of youth mental health has been on the radar of state officials for years. The Children’s Behavioral Health System State Board issued a strategic plan that became the foundation for Iowa’s Children’s behavioral System in 2019. Despite these efforts, many young Iowans continue to struggle to find adequate support.
Dr. Yeast of Blank Children’s Hospital likened the situation to having a road map without the necessary roads. “We have the road map, we have some of the destinations built, but we don’t have the roads built yet to get us from A to B appropriately,” Yeast said.
Key Statistics on Iowa’s Youth Mental Health Crisis
| Statistic | Percentage |
|—————|—————-|
| High school students experiencing persistent sadness and hopelessness | 40% |
| High school students reporting poor mental health | 29% |
| High school students seriously considering suicide | 20% |
| High school students attempting suicide | 9% |
| Adolescents with mental health diagnoses struggling to access care | 61% |
Moving Forward
The state’s commitment to overhauling its behavioral health system is a step in the right direction. However, the road ahead is long, and the need for immediate action is critical. Early intervention and improved access to care are essential to alleviating the strain on the system and ensuring that Iowa’s youth receive the support they need.
As the state works to implement these changes, the focus must remain on creating a thorough and accessible mental health care system that meets the needs of all young Iowans. The stakes are high, and the time to act is now.
Iowa’s Behavioral Health Overhaul Aims to Illuminate the “Front Door” for Families
Iowa is taking significant steps to address its behavioral health crisis, especially for children and families, with a new system set to launch in July 2025.The initiative, spearheaded by Iowa Health and Human Services Director Kelly Garcia, aims to streamline access to care, reduce systemic bottlenecks, and prioritize early intervention.
“It is at the forefront of our behavioral health redesign to really illuminate the front door. A brightly lit front door so that individuals who seek services understand where to go,” Garcia said during a recent event at the Iowa State Capitol.
The overhaul comes in response to a system that has long been criticized for its heavy focus on treatment rather than prevention. Garcia acknowledged the challenges many iowa families face, noting that the current system often leaves children stuck in inappropriate levels of care.
“You have a really high level of need across a wide number of people, and so the system needs to shift and expand. We need to get people into the right sets of services for their particular need,” she explained.
A Focus on Early Intervention
One of the primary goals of the new system is to intervene at the first sign of a behavioral health issue in children. By addressing problems early, the state hopes to prevent crises and reduce the strain on providers.
“A goal for the new system is to intervene in a child’s first episode and get them on the right track quickly,” Garcia said.
This approach could also alleviate stress on mental health professionals. Garcia emphasized that not everyone requires psychiatric care; instead, many individuals could benefit from peer support or other community-based services.
“That’s where it gets clogged,” she said. “So we have a system that is clogged because kids get stuck in a level of care that’s not the right level of care.”
The Need for Change
The urgency for reform is clear. Without it, Iowa’s youth will continue to struggle to access the care they need. Garcia stressed that while the new system won’t solve all problems, it’s a critical step forward.
“I don’t think it will solve all problems, but absent this, I don’t think we could make a dent in this. So, it’s imperative we make this change,” she said.The overhaul was signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds in 2023, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to consolidate and improve its behavioral health services.
A Personal Outlook
For families like the Prieves, the changes can’t come soon enough.Prieve’s 9-year-old son, who attempted suicide, is now receiving the support he needs through crisis stabilization care. His story underscores the importance of timely and appropriate intervention.
“You see what people struggle through,” Prieve said, highlighting the emotional toll of navigating a fragmented system.
key Features of Iowa’s Behavioral Health Overhaul
| Feature | Description |
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| Launch Date | July 2025 |
| Focus | Early intervention and prevention |
| Goal | Streamline access to care and reduce systemic bottlenecks |
| Target Population | Children and families in need of behavioral health services |
| Key Advocate | Kelly Garcia, Director of Iowa Health and Human Services |
Looking Ahead
As Iowa prepares to implement its new behavioral health system, the focus remains on creating a more accessible and effective framework for families. By illuminating the “front door” to care, the state hopes to ensure that no child falls through the cracks.
For more information on Iowa’s behavioral health initiatives, visit the Iowa Health and Human Services website.
What are your thoughts on Iowa’s efforts to overhaul its behavioral health system? Share your perspective in the comments below.
Iowa’s Redesigned Behavioral Health System: A Lifeline for Families in Crisis
Iowa is taking steps to address the gaps in its behavioral health system, particularly for children and families in crisis.Stories like those of Bailey Prieve and Rachel Callahan highlight the urgent need for reform. Both mothers faced harrowing experiences navigating the state’s mental health services for their sons,underscoring the systemic challenges that persist.
Bailey Prieve’s son, who struggled with severe mental health issues, waited months for critical support. “I never want my son to think that he’s the problem, because he’s not,” Prieve said. “the system is to blame for the lack of support,and the lack of services.” after a long and desperate wait, her son finally received trauma therapy twice a week, but the delay nearly ended in tragedy.
Similarly, Rachel Callahan’s experience with her son Harry Callahan transformed her perspective on mental health care. Now a peer support advocate for NAMI Dubuque,Callahan emphasizes the need for greater attention and resources. “More attention needs to be brought to this issue to ensure everyone has access to necessary mental health care,” she said.
The state’s redesigned behavioral health system aims to intervene before families reach such crisis points. However, details about the new system, especially its focus on children, remain unclear. Many mental health providers and stakeholders are optimistic but stress that additional funding is essential for success.
“This is really a cry for continued investment,” said Allen, a mental health advocate.
Key Challenges and Solutions
| Challenge | Proposed Solution |
|—————————–|——————————————|
| Lack of timely access to care | Redesigned system with early intervention |
| Insufficient funding | Increased investment in mental health |
| Limited focus on children | Advancement of a children-focused system |
A Call to Action
The stories of Prieve and Callahan are not isolated incidents. They reflect a broader issue in Iowa’s mental health infrastructure. As the state works to redesign its behavioral health system, advocates urge policymakers to prioritize funding and transparency.
For families like Prieve’s and Callahan’s,the stakes couldn’t be higher. “The system can have some blame for the mistreatment,” Prieve said. It’s a sentiment echoed by many who have faced similar struggles.
As Iowa moves forward, the hope is that no family will have to endure the same challenges. The redesigned system could be a lifeline, but only if it’s backed by the resources and commitment needed to make it work.For more information on mental health resources, visit NAMI Dubuque or explore Iowa’s behavioral health initiatives here.Image Credit: Zach Boyden-Holmes/the Register
What are your thoughts on Iowa’s efforts to improve its behavioral health system? share your experiences and insights in the comments below.n### The Silent Crisis: Mental Health and the System’s failure
In a world where mental health is increasingly in the spotlight, the cracks in the system are becoming impractical to ignore.“You see what people struggle through,” said a source, reflecting on the dire state of mental health care. “Once you see mental health at its worst … you look at things differently,and you see they didn’t get help. The system failed us. They failed them.”
This poignant observation underscores a harsh reality: despite growing awareness,many individuals battling mental health issues are left without the support they desperately need. The consequences of this systemic failure are profound, affecting not just the individuals but their families and communities as well.
The Role of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
For those in crisis, immediate help is available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.This vital resource offers free and confidential support, accessible by simply dialing or texting 988. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, this lifeline can be a crucial first step toward healing.
A Call to Action
the need for systemic change is urgent. As Michaela Ramm, a health care reporter for the Des Moines Register, emphasizes, the current state of mental health care is a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities alike. Ramm can be reached at [email protected] or at (319) 339-7354 for further insights into this critical issue.
Key Takeaways
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Systemic Failure | Many individuals with mental health issues are not receiving the help they need. |
| Immediate Support | The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers free and confidential crisis support. |
| Call to Action | Urgent systemic changes are needed to improve mental health care. |
The journey toward better mental health care is fraught with challenges, but it’s a journey we must undertake. By raising awareness and advocating for change, we can begin to mend the broken system and ensure that no one is left behind.
