Experiencing a crisis can be scary. Whether it's related to alcohol, drugs, gambling, mental health, or suicidal thoughts. It can be difficult to know what to do or who to turn to. Remember you don't have to do it alone. There are many local, state and national resources that can provide care and support in a crisis.
If you've never experienced a crisis, it's important to know the available resources. You never know when a crisis might happen. Iowa has crisis services to meet you where you are. No matter the nature of the crisis. If you need someone to talk to, 988 and YLI are here for you. If you need someone to come to you, we have mobile crisis teams at the ready. If you need a safe place to be, we can help make that happen. These services save lives. Make sure to learn about the resources available to you.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of crisis centers. They provide free and confidential support for individuals experiencing a crisis. No matter if it is a mental health, substance use, or suicide related crisis. They also help individuals who are looking to help someone else through a crisis.
Phone, text and chat services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. When a person contacts the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a 988 counselor will answer. They will listen, provide support and connect them with more resources.
The state of Iowa has two 988 centers to ensure as many people receive support as need it. When Iowa's centers can't answer, stay on the line. Another 988-call center in the U.S. will answer to ensure the person receives the support being sought.
Learn more about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Warm Line
To help assist those experiencing emotional distress, Iowa has a phone line that provides free care and support. Iowa's Warm line is here to help. The Warm Line staff are at the ready to listen. Their own personal recovery experience offers hope and encouragement to callers. Whether mental health or substance use, they are ready to help.
The Warm Line staff can also connect you with a Peer Support Specialist. They can help you access information and resources to assist you.
The Iowa Warm Line is available 24/7 for support. You can call the Iowa Warm Line at 844-775-9276. Also, when you call Your Life Iowa or 988, you can access the Iowa Warm Line.
Mobile Crisis Response
Sometimes when a person is in crisis, someone needs to respond. This would be one of Iowa's Mobile Crisis Response teams. Trained crisis counselors come to the individual in crisis, providing in person care. Whether at home, school or a public place. In most situations, crisis staffs arrive within 60 minutes.
Mobile Crisis Response crisis staff help assess and de-escalate a crisis. Team members may include social workers, nurses, therapists, peer supports, and others. They help individuals connect and engage with resources. In some crisis situations, law enforcement may be part of the mobile crisis response. Mobile response teams assist children, youth and adults 24/7.
Community-Based Crisis Stabilization Services
Sometimes individuals in crisis can remain in the community with support. These services are short-term in nature and help assess and de-escalate a crisis. Services may include medication management, counseling, referrals and peer or family support.
23-Hour Observation Services
Sometimes adults in crisis need a safe place to go. 23-hour observation services provide short-term care and de-escalate the crisis. Staff meet with the adult and talk about options to assist in on-going care. This may include medication management, counseling, referrals and peer or family support.
Crisis Stabilization Residential Services (Adult & Youth)
Sometimes adults and youth in crisis need a safe and secure place to go for a few days. Crisis stabilization residential services are less intensive than a hospital. Services include 24-hour supervision and support to assess and stabilize the crisis. Team members may include medical, mental health or other crisis staff. They will work with the individual in crisis to create a plan. Services may include medication management, counseling, referrals and peer or family support. Adult and youth services exist in separate locations.
Access Centers
Iowa's Access Centers provide a range of services. Services include mental health and substance use assessments and crisis stabilization for adults. They provide immediate care and resources in a safe and secure environment. Access centers assess, treat and refer individuals to more services. They are generally open 24/7 to individuals in need of support.