Mental Health Resources

This Mental Health Resource page has been thoughtfully curated to support pediatricians, parents, and caregivers with reliable, practical information on statewide mental health resources and services. Its purpose is to provide easy access to evidence-based guidance, tools, and educational materials that can be used both in clinical settings and at home. By bringing together trusted resources in one place, we aim to strengthen partnerships between healthcare providers and families, promote informed decision-making, and ultimately help children thrive in every stage of development.

For Pediatricians and other Child Health Professionals:

The following cultivated list was curated by IA AAP members to support child health professionals in their work to care for the children and families in our state.

• Mental Health Toolkit: this toolkit was created by Dr. Amy Shriver and Dr. Michael Colburn for pediatricians with various local, statewide, and national resources on adolescent mental health. Last updated in 2020.
• Iowa Pediatric Mental Health Collaborative: The goal of the Iowa Pediatric Mental Health Collaborative is to increase access to pediatric mental health services through workforce development, access to resources, and telehealth-based behavioral health integration into pediatric primary care in Iowa. The PMHC offers the following services and resources:
  • Webinars
  • Therapy Trainings
  • Telehealth
  • Complex Care Clinic
  • Welltrack Connect
  • UI Consult: Any Iowa provider can consult with a University of Iowa Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-800-322-8442.
• Scanlan School for Mental Health: Referrals are available for caregivers, teachers, students, and self referral for 18+ students. Services are available in-person and virtual.
  • Individual Counseling
  • Group Counseling
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Specialty Evaluations
  • Post-Crisis Counseling
• 1st Five Referral Process - new referral form coming soon! 1st Five covers 88 counties and works in tandem with pediatricians to screen children for developmental, social-emotional, and family needs, connects families to services, and Development Support Specialists ensure follow-through and update providers.
• Center for Disabilities and Development:
  • Clinical Services: Audiology, Dentistry, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Education, Nursing, Nutrition, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Social Services, Speech-Language Pathology
  • Our teams work with patients who have: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Behavior Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Cognitive Disorders, Communication Disorders, Down Syndrome, Fragile X, Spina Bifida
• Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP)
  • RAP teams screen for ASD risk and connect families to diagnostic services.
  • Provide care coordination and family-to-family support for ages 0–21.
  • Teams include Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, and Family Navigators who link families to local services based on their needs and goals.
• ChildServe: Medical Childcare program that offers specialized weekday care for children and young adults with significant medical needs and developmental delays. The program includes on-site therapy services like physical, occupational, and speech therapy in Ames and Des Moines and Complex Care Clinic in Johnston.
• Trauma-Informed Care (3R's): Reassure, Return to Routine, and Regulate. Linked is the AAP infographic.

For Parents and Caregivers

Mental health is a fundamental part of a child’s overall well-being. Emotional wellness affects how children learn, form relationships, and respond to challenges.

You do not need to be a mental health expert to make a difference. Being present, observant, and willing to listen are some of the most powerful protective factors in a child’s life.

Early mental health shapes lifelong outcomes and affects learning and behavior.

• Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for emotional and brain development.
• Many mental health conditions begin before adulthood, making early recognition essential.
• Emotional distress can interfere with attention, academic performance, and peer relationships.
• Untreated mental health challenges can increase school absenteeism and disciplinary issues.

Children often show distress differently than adults.

• Symptoms may appear as irritability, behavior changes, withdrawal, or physical complaints.
• Many mental health conditions begin before adulthood, making early recognition essential.

Rural and Underserved Communities

Children and adolescents in rural and underserved areas have higher suicide rates than those in urban areas.

Key considerations

Barriers: Long travel distances, limited specialty care, stigma in small communities, provider shortages, long wait times, higher rates of uninsured individuals, higher rates of poverty, and increased exposure to adverse childhood experiences

Practical Solutions:

• Use of telepsychiatry for therapy, medication management, and follow-ups.
• Integrate mental health into primary care
• School-based mental health services
• Promote 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline awareness

LGBTQ+ youth experience higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to their peers. Supportive families, schools, and communities can reduce risk and save lives.

Guidelines for LGBTQ+ Youth Care:

1. Affirm and respect identity
   • Use the child’s chosen name and pronouns
   • Create a safe space without judgment
2. Listen with empathy and validation
   • Take concerns seriously, acknowledge distress, and avoid minimizing or dismissing their experiences
3. Ensure safety and reduce risk
   • Assess for suicidal thoughts and remove access to lethal means
   • Develop a safety plan when needed
4. Connect to affirming support
   • Link the youth to LGBTQ+ competent mental health professionals, supportive peers, and crisis resources

Visit the Trevor Project to discover more ways to support the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people at:

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2024/?#support-transgender-and-nonbinary-young-people

Below are additional resources:

• Scanlan Center for School Mental Health: Referrals are available for caregivers, teachers, students, and self referral for 18+ students. Services are available in-person and virtual.
  • Individual Counseling
  • Group Counseling
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Specialty Evaluations
  • Post-Crisis Counseling
• COMING SOON - Booklist focused on mental health and social emotional learning for Preschool, Middle School / Tweens, and High School / Teens.