Wondering what Heart of Iowa Community Services (HICS) is all about? HICS is a social service provider helping those in central Iowa get mental health support and disability services. Through our coordinated care, we connect Iowans to disability services and mental health support within the community so that they can improve their quality of life.

What is the Heart of Iowa program?

HICS is a helping heart for the people of Audubon, Dallas and Guthrie counties. We care, and we have your best interests in mind. As one of the Mental Health and Disability Services Regions in Iowa, we provide mental health help and services for intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Through coordinated care and the ability to connect residents to a variety of Iowa community resources, we can help no matter the background or need.

What is the Heart of Iowa mission?

Our goal is to improve health, increase hope and build successful futures for individuals and families in our communities. If you need help connecting to services, improving your quality of life or want to know how to help someone who is struggling with mental health, we are here for you.

Who do we help?

We help individuals of all backgrounds and situations. For example, we support:

  • Those facing short- or long-term mental health struggles.
  • Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities looking for help with life skills, employment or other circumstances.
  • Educators and students needing extra resources.
  • People transitioning out of incarceration who need a safe space to stay and help finding work.
  • Individuals and families navigating the struggles of substance use.
  • Iowans in need of financial assistance to receive services.

How does Heart of Iowa treatment and support work?

If you have questions about services in your community, you can contact our Audubon, Dallas or Guthrie County locations. Our service coordinators can assess your needs and goals and connect you to the right programs. Together, we’ll build a network of support.

Mental health support: We all experience short- or long-term mental health issues at some point in life. If you or a loved one is struggling, we can connect you to various supports, including therapy, substance use help and even assistance with hospitalization, if necessary. Mobile crisis services also are available to all Iowans anytime, anywhere if mental health help is needed urgently.

Disability support: We believe everyone deserves the chance to thrive in their communities. We help those with intellectual and other developmental disabilities develop life skills, learn career skills, find a supported living environment and much more.

Children’s services: Children are not immune to mental health struggles. We can assist children, families and educators in securing mental health help for kids and teens. Heart of Iowa also can visit schools to teach educators and kids about common mental health symptoms and issues.

Jail diversion: We work with the community to keep individuals out of jail and with those who can best serve their needs. We also help individuals transitioning out of incarceration get back on their feet.

Transitional living: Through our transitional living program, individuals working toward normalcy, mental health and a healthier life are provided with a complete continuum of support.

What are the resources Heart of Iowa uses to provide the best possible services?

We couldn’t provide the full network of support that Iowans need and deserve without tapping into the community providers who make it all possible. Let’s take a look at some of those resources.

Inside Out Wellness & Advocacy: We’re thrilled to work with Inside Out when referring individuals who need transitional living options and crisis mental health services.

Mental Health and Disability Services (MHDS) Regions: As one of Iowa’s MHDS Regions, we support the initiative to end the stigma against mental health and connect Iowans to local resources so they can improve their quality of life and take back control of their mental. 

MindSpring Mental Health Alliance: For people in Des Moines and the surrounding communities, MindSpring offers education, support and advocacy for mental health concerns, and can help you find local treatment options and services to overcome a range of challenges.

Learn more about the resources available to children, veterans, older adults, those in need of housing and more through our resource guide.

Want to reach out for help or more information?

Complete, coordinated and compassionate care is what we provide. If you are looking for mental health and disability support or simply have a question about how to improve your quality of life, we can help.

Contact us through the following.