Skip to content

Don't Take The Risk

Over 15% US adults have used prescription painkillers not prescribed to them.

Iowa’s new behavioral health system is now in effect. Here’s how it works

Posted on July 4, 2025 By DontTakeTheRick

Iowa Public Radio | By Natalie Krebs

Published July 2, 2025 at 10:47 AM CDT
The 100-bed Clive Behavioral Health center opened in February 2021.
Natalie Krebs
/
Iowa Public Radio
The 100-bed Clive Behavioral Health center opened in February 2021.

Iowa officials launched the state’s new behavioral health system this week. It is a significant overhaul of the previous system and is aimed at better connecting Iowans with mental health and disability services.

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the changes into law in May of 2024, replacing the state’s previous system of 13 Mental Health and Disability Services Regions and 19 Integrated Provider Networks for substance use disorders.

The new system consists of seven behavioral health districts that also cover substance use disorders. Disability services have moved to go with the state’s aging services under the Aging and Disability Network. Both are overseen by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

How does the new behavioral health system work?

The new safety net system is more centralized than the state’s previous Mental Health and Disability Service Regions, which were all run by different organizations.

“Some of the most common concerns that we heard from the Mental Health and Disability Services regional space was services that stop at the county line,” said Marissa Eyanson, the behavioral health division director with Iowa HHS.

She said the new system aims to remove the boundaries and silos under the old regional districts so Iowans can get care wherever they need.

Iowa Health and Human Services

“It also helps us think about how we organize our budget, ultimately, to really get some of the funding targeted into spaces of great need and really moves us away from having boundaries to how people access [care],” she said.

Funding for the system goes through Iowa HHS, and as part of the law, the state has contracted with the Iowa Primary Care Association (PCA), which serves as the “administrative service organization” to oversee the seven districts.

Under the new system, the districts will each have an advisory council made up of three local elected public officials, three people with lived behavioral health experience, three people with experience or education related to behavioral health, and one law enforcement member to give input on resources.

Iowa PCA is also in charge of securing provider contracts so they are reimbursed by the state for services they provide to Iowans who are uninsured or underinsured.

Aaron Todd, CEO of Iowa PCA, said the organization will also work with navigators at Your Life Iowa to help direct Iowans to the resources they need.

“So whether that’s … a behavioral health provider, or if it’s a community support, it really is dependent on what that person needs,” he said. “They can help them with paperwork. They can kind of walk with them along that journey.”

As of this week, the organization has finalized more than 80% of provider contracts, and Todd said he expects to work out the final details on the rest soon.

Iowa PCA is also working on filling advisory council seats. As of the system’s launch, 12 of the 70 seats remain open. Six of the vacant seats are for someone with lived experience and six are for elected officials.

Todd said the organization wants to make sure they have representation from as many counties as possible, which can make filling some seats more challenging.

“That meant that sometimes we were unable to see folks who were otherwise well-qualified and super interested. But we wanted to make sure that within a particular district that we had good representation,” he said.

What’s happening to disability services?

Services for Iowans with disabilities used to be coupled with mental health services under the previous system. Under the new system, disability services will be with aging services.

Disability services are moving to Disability Access Points, which are run by four different organizations across the seven regions that were selected by Iowa HHS. They are part of the Aging and Disability Resource Center Network, which includes the state’s Area Agencies on Aging.

Iowans of any age who need help with disability services can now call either their local Disability Access Point, the Aging and Disability Resource Center network or Your Life Iowa to figure out how to get help, according to Zach Rhein, the aging and disability services division director at Iowa HHS.

Rhein said the change was made to better help Iowans with disabilities. Prior to the change, the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers only included Area Agencies on Aging.

“If you are a family with a child with a disability, why would you ever think to a place called an Area Agency on Aging to get services?” he said. “It’s calling out we serve people with disabilities, and having a system that is focused on serving those individuals.”

How is the system funded?

Iowa HHS said it has $250 million “safety net” dollars to cover the first year of disability and behavioral health services for those who are uninsured or can’t get the services covered through their insurance plan.

It has $146 million for behavioral health services and $56 million for disability services that are a combination of state and federal dollars, as well as $45 million left over from the budget for the previous Mental Health and Disability Service regions.

Eyanson of Iowa HHS said lawmakers did not allocate additional funds to the new system. The focus right now is getting it up and running to evaluate it before deciding whether to ask the state for additional funding.

“What we really need right now is time. We need time to be able to evaluate those investments. We need time to be able to see where that stable state is going to be before we would be in a right place, I think, to come forward with any additional ask for additional money,” she said.

What are mental health advocates saying?

Leslie Carpenter, the co-founder of Iowa Mental Health Advocacy, said she’s nervous about the start of the new system.

“There’s a lot of concern for provider stability, for patients continuing to have access to the services that they’ve needed,” she said. “The words coming out of HHS at the town halls is that the patients won’t experience any adverse effects from the transition. But in listening to providers report on different funding levels for some of the services, and with pending federal Medicaid cuts, we don’t know what it’s going to turn out to be.”

However, Carpenter said state officials have been communicative and responsive to her concerns throughout the process of setting up the system.

“I do think that there are very good intentions to have it work as smoothly as possible. And I’m just hoping that as individual cases come up, they’ll continue to be as responsive moving forward,” she said.

How do I access services?

Officials said Iowans who were receiving services under the old system shouldn’t see any interruption.

Iowans who need help and are unsure of where to go should contact Your Life Iowa to connect with a navigator.

Initially posted on: https://www.iowapublicradio.org/health/2025-07-02/iowas-new-behavioral-health-system-is-now-in-effect-heres-how-it-works

Behavioral Healthcare News

Post navigation

Previous Post: Dr. Nicole Wildroudt, Joins The Grove Estate Addiction Treatment as Center Director of Clinical Services
Next Post: Nevada Passes Law Limiting AI Use for Mental and Behavioral Healthcare

More Related Articles

technology, computer, digital, code, programmer, screen, abstract, art, hands, desktop, character, design, workplace, communication, creative, interface, cartoon, animation, monitor Nevada Passes Law Limiting AI Use for Mental and Behavioral Healthcare Behavioral Healthcare News
James Sands Promoted to VP at The Valley Spring Recovery Center Behavioral Healthcare News
Dr. Nicole Wildroudt, Joins The Grove Estate Addiction Treatment as Center Director of Clinical Services Behavioral Healthcare News

Archives

  • August 2025
  • July 2025
  • June 2025

Categories

  • 12 Step Programs Concord New Hampshire
  • 12 Step Programs Manchester New Hampshire
  • addiction counseling services
  • addiction counseling services that accept insurance
  • Addiction Recovery Centers Concord New Hampshire
  • Addiction Recovery Centers Dover New Hampshire
  • Addiction Recovery Centers Keene New Hampshire
  • Addiction Recovery Centers Manchester New Hampshire
  • Addiction Recovery Centers Nashua New Hampshire
  • Addiction Recovery Centers Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Addiction Recovery Centers Rochester New Hampshire
  • addiction Rehab Center Columbus Oh
  • addiction support groups for young adults
  • addiction support hotline numbers and hours of operation
  • Addiction Treatment Center
  • Addiction Treatment Center Columbus Ohio
  • Addiction Treatment Center Las Vegas Nevada
  • Addiction Treatment Center Nevada
  • Addiction Treatment Center Ohio
  • Addiction Treatment Center PA
  • Addiction Treatment Centers Concord New Hampshire
  • Addiction Treatment Centers Dover New Hampshire
  • Addiction Treatment Centers Keene New Hampshire
  • Addiction Treatment Centers Manchester New Hampshire
  • Addiction Treatment Centers Nashua New Hampshire
  • Addiction Treatment Centers Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Addiction Treatment Centers Rochester New Hampshire
  • addiction treatment centers that accept Medicaid
  • Alcohol Detox Center
  • Alcohol Detox Center Columbus
  • Alcohol Detox program
  • Alcohol Rehab Resources Nashua NH
  • Alcohol Rehabs Concord New Hampshire
  • Alcohol Rehabs Dover New Hampshire
  • Alcohol Rehabs Keene New Hampshire
  • Alcohol Rehabs Manchester New Hampshire
  • Alcohol Rehabs Nashua New Hampshire
  • Alcohol Rehabs Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Alcohol Rehabs Rochester New Hampshire
  • Alcohol Withdrawal Management Columbus Oh
  • alcoholics anonymous meetings near me (PDF)
  • alcoholism treatment centers near me
  • alumni events for substance abuse recovery groups
  • alumni events for substance abuse recovery meetings
  • alumni programs for substance abuse recovery
  • Behavioral Healthcare News
  • Bergen Aftercare
  • Bergen County Rehab
  • Bergen Intervention
  • Bergen Sober Living
  • co-dependency support groups for loved ones of addicts
  • co-occurring disorder treatment centers near me
  • Columbus addiction rehab center
  • Columbus OH drug Rehab
  • Corporate Executive Rehab
  • Corporate Recovery Retreats
  • counseling services for trauma and addiction
  • Detox Center
  • Detox Centers Concord New Hampshire
  • Detox Centers Dover New Hampshire
  • Detox Centers Keene New Hampshire
  • Detox Centers Manchester New Hampshire
  • Detox Centers Nashua New Hampshire
  • Detox Centers Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Detox Centers Rochester New Hampshire
  • Detox near me
  • Detox Programs Concord New Hampshire
  • Detox Programs Dover New Hampshire
  • Detox Programs Keene New Hampshire
  • Detox Programs Manchester New Hampshire
  • Detox Programs Nashua New Hampshire
  • Detox Programs Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Detox Programs Rochester New Hampshire
  • Drug and Alcohol Detox Center Oh
  • drug detox
  • Drug Detox Abbotstown PA
  • Drug Detox Center Abbotstown PA
  • Drug Detox Center Columbus OH
  • Drug Detox Center Columbus Ohio
  • drug detox center las vegas
  • Drug Detox Center Ohio
  • Drug Detox Near me
  • Drug Rehab Center
  • Drug Rehab Center Columbus
  • Drug Rehab Center Columbus Ohio
  • Drug Rehab Center Las Vegas Nevada
  • Drug Rehab Center Near Me
  • Drug Rehab Center PA
  • Drug Rehab Center Pennsylvania
  • Drug Rehab Program
  • Drug Rehabs Concord New Hampshire
  • Drug Rehabs Dover New Hampshire
  • Drug Rehabs Keene New Hampshire
  • Drug Rehabs Manchester New Hampshire
  • Drug Rehabs Nashua New Hampshire
  • Drug Rehabs Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Drug Rehabs Rochester New Hampshire
  • Dual Diagnosis Centers Concord New Hampshire
  • Dual Diagnosis Centers Dover New Hampshire
  • Dual Diagnosis Centers Keene New Hampshire
  • Dual Diagnosis Centers Manchester New Hampshire
  • Dual Diagnosis Centers Nashua New Hampshire
  • Dual Diagnosis Centers Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Dual Diagnosis Centers Rochester New Hampshire
  • Englewood Dual Diagnosis
  • Executive Inpatient Recovery
  • Executive Rehabs Keene New Hampshire
  • Executive Rehabs Nashua New Hampshire
  • Executive Rehabs Rochester New Hampshire
  • Fair Lawn Opioid Recovery
  • Fort Lee Detox
  • Fort Wayne Luxury Recovery
  • free 12-step meetings online
  • free online therapy sessions for substance abuse
  • Garfield Family Therapy
  • Hackensack Rehab
  • High End Detox Program Ohio
  • how to get sober from Ambien naturally
  • how to get sober from benzodiazepines naturally
  • how to get sober from prescription stimulants naturally
  • how to overcome opioid addiction
  • Indiana Executive Outpatient
  • Indiana Intervention Services
  • Indiana Luxury Treatment Hub
  • Indianapolis Executive Detox
  • Inpatient Rehabs Dover New Hampshire
  • Inpatient Rehabs Keene New Hampshire
  • Inpatient Rehabs Manchester New Hampshire
  • Inpatient Rehabs Nashua New Hampshire
  • Inpatient Rehabs Rochester New Hampshire
  • Intensive Outpatient Bergen
  • Intensive Outpatient Center Las Vegas
  • Intensive Outpatient Las Vegas
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs Concord New Hampshire
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs Dover New Hampshire
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs Keene New Hampshire
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs Manchester New Hampshire
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs Nashua New Hampshire
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs Rochester New Hampshire
  • IOP las vegas
  • Kokomo Premium Treatment
  • Legal Professional Recovery
  • luxury addiction treatment
  • Luxury Aftercare Recovery
  • Luxury Alcohol Recovery
  • Luxury Detox Ohio
  • luxury drug detox
  • Luxury drug rehab
  • Luxury Dual Diagnosis Care
  • Luxury Family Recovery
  • Luxury Medical Detox News
  • Luxury Opioid Treatment
  • Luxury Rehabs Keene New Hampshire
  • Luxury Rehabs Manchester New Hampshire
  • Luxury Rehabs Nashua New Hampshire
  • Luxury Rehabs Rochester New Hampshire
  • Mahwah Alcohol Treatment
  • Marion Luxury Detox
  • MAT Clinics Keene New Hampshire
  • MAT Clinics Nashua New Hampshire
  • MAT Clinics Rochester New Hampshire
  • Medical Detox Center
  • Medical Detox Columbus
  • medical detox facilities near me
  • medical detox las vegas
  • medical detox nevada
  • Medical Detox program
  • Medical Professional Rehab
  • mental health treatment centers for co-occurring disorders
  • Midwest Executive Recovery
  • natural remedies for cocaine withdrawal
  • natural remedies for methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms
  • natural remedies for nicotine withdrawal symptoms
  • Non 12 Step Rehabs Concord New Hampshire
  • Non 12 Step Rehabs Manchester New Hampshire
  • online counseling sessions for addiction recovery
  • online self-help resources for addiction recovery
  • online support groups for loved ones of addicts
  • Opioid Treatment Programs Concord New Hampshire
  • Opioid Treatment Programs Dover New Hampshire
  • Opioid Treatment Programs Keene New Hampshire
  • Opioid Treatment Programs Manchester New Hampshire
  • Opioid Treatment Programs Nashua New Hampshire
  • Opioid Treatment Programs Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Opioid Treatment Programs Rochester New Hampshire
  • Outpatient rehab
  • outpatient rehab las vegas
  • Outpatient Rehabs Concord New Hampshire
  • Outpatient Rehabs Dover New Hampshire
  • Outpatient Rehabs Keene New Hampshire
  • Outpatient Rehabs Manchester New Hampshire
  • Outpatient Rehabs Nashua New Hampshire
  • Outpatient Rehabs Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Outpatient Rehabs Rochester New Hampshire
  • Paramus Recovery
  • Partial Hospitalization Programs Concord New Hampshire
  • Partial Hospitalization Programs Dover New Hampshire
  • Partial Hospitalization Programs Keene New Hampshire
  • Partial Hospitalization Programs Manchester New Hampshire
  • Partial Hospitalization Programs Nashua New Hampshire
  • Partial Hospitalization Programs Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Partial Hospitalization Programs Rochester New Hampshire
  • Peru Luxury Treatment
  • Physician Recovery Programs
  • Private Addiction Care
  • Ramsey Professional Rehab
  • Recovery Centers Concord New Hampshire
  • Recovery Centers Manchester New Hampshire
  • Recovery Centers Nashua New Hampshire
  • Recovery Centers Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Recovery Centers Rochester New Hampshire
  • recovery coaching services in [city/state]
  • recovery housing programs near me
  • recovery meetings in my area
  • recovery support apps for tracking progress
  • Rehab Facilities Dover New Hampshire
  • Rehab Facilities Keene New Hampshire
  • Rehab Facilities Manchester New Hampshire
  • Rehab Facilities Nashua New Hampshire
  • Rehab Facilities Rochester New Hampshire
  • Rehab Programs Concord New Hampshire
  • Rehab Programs Manchester New Hampshire
  • Rehab Programs Nashua New Hampshire
  • Rehab Programs Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Rehab Programs Rochester New Hampshire
  • rehabilitation centers that offer art therapy
  • rehabilitation centers that offer pet therapy
  • rehabilitation programs for prescription painkiller addiction
  • Relapse Prevention Programs Concord New Hampshire
  • Relapse Prevention Programs Dover New Hampshire
  • Relapse Prevention Programs Keene New Hampshire
  • Relapse Prevention Programs Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Relapse Prevention Programs Rochester New Hampshire
  • Residential addiction Treatment Manchester New Hampshire
  • Residential Rehab Columbus OH
  • Residential Treatment Centers Concord New Hampshire
  • Residential Treatment Centers Dover New Hampshire
  • Residential Treatment Centers Keene New Hampshire
  • Residential Treatment Centers Nashua New Hampshire
  • Residential Treatment Centers Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Residential Treatment Centers Rochester New Hampshire
  • Ridgewood Executive Rehab
  • self-help books for overcoming heroin addiction
  • Sober Living Homes Concord New Hampshire
  • Sober Living Homes Dover New Hampshire
  • Sober Living Homes Manchester New Hampshire
  • Sober Living Homes Nashua New Hampshire
  • Sober Living Homes Portsmouth New Hampshire
  • Sober Living Homes Rochester New Hampshire
  • sober living homes with amenities
  • Substance Abuse Clinics Dover New Hampshire
  • Substance Abuse Clinics Keene New Hampshire
  • Substance Abuse Clinics Manchester New Hampshire
  • Substance Abuse Clinics Nashua New Hampshire
  • Substance Abuse Clinics Rochester New Hampshire
  • substance abuse rehabilitation programs for veterans
  • substance abuse treatment centers with Christian-based programs
  • substance abuse treatment centers with LGBTQ+ support
  • substance abuse treatment centers with trauma-informed care
  • Teaneck Outpatient
  • Telehealth Addiction Services Concord New Hampshire
  • Telehealth Addiction Services Dover New Hampshire
  • Telehealth Addiction Services Keene New Hampshire
  • Telehealth Addiction Services Rochester New Hampshire
  • Telehealth Recovery Bergen
  • Union Worker Recovery
  • Warsaw Executive Recovery
  • ways to overcome peer pressure while in recovery
  • ways to stay motivated in early sobriety
  • ways to stay motivated in long-term sobriety
  • ways to stay sober during stressful times
  • ways to stay sober during the holiday season
  • ways to stay sober while traveling abroad
  • yoga classes for recovering addicts in [city]

Recent Posts

  • Breaking the Cycle: How Medical Breakthroughs Are Reshaping America’s Fight Against Obesity
  • Premium Alcohol Rehab: Transformative Luxury Recovery Journey
  • Unleash Recovery: Luxury Alcohol Treatment for Lasting Sobriety
  • Unleash Lasting Freedom: Luxury Alcohol Treatment for Transformative Recovery
  • Unleash Recovery: Luxury Alcohol Treatment for Lasting Sobriety

Recent Comments

No comments to show.

Copyright © 2025 Don't Take The Risk.

Powered by PressBook Green WordPress theme