What is Therapy?
     Therapy is an extended conversation between a therapist and a client with a goal of developing effective ways of solving client problems.

What do Therapists do?
     All therapists at the Community Mental Health Center hold advanced degrees and are licensed by the state of Iowa.  Therapists help clients discover their own solutions by recognizing and building on a client's strengths.  Therapists rarely advise, but provide education and guidance as clients explore their feelings and beliefs and find practical solutions to problems.

Do I need therapy?
     People seek therapy for a variety of reasons, such as stress relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, and domestic violence.  If you find yourself repeating behaviors with the disappointing or harmful results, you may find therapy helpful.

Is therapy confidential?
     With a few exceptions, what you and your therapist talk about is confidential within the mental health center unless you sign a release.  Exceptions include evidence of child or dependent adult abuse or evidence of intent to harm yourself or others.

How long does therapy take?
     The length of therapy varies with each client.  Therapy is done when the problem you want to work on is resolved.  However, some insurance companies and government agencies limit the number of therapy sessions they will cover.

Who will be my therapist?
     You will be matched with a therapist who will best meet the needs of your specific problem and your schedule.  You may request an individual therapist, but this will probably mean a slightly longer wait for an appointment.

What is psychiatry?
     Psychiatry is a medical profession that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Who are the psychiatry staff?
     The psychiatry staff at the Center consists of Psychiatrists, a physician assistant and nurses.  The psychiatrists and physician assistant can can prescribe medications.  You or your therapist can make an appointment for an evaluation.

What is an evaluation like?
     The psychiatrist or physician assistant will ask you a series of questions about your symptoms, your social situation, your family history, and any significant events in your life.  This information will be used to arrive at a diagnosis, which will determine if medication is appropriate.  If you are started on a medication, you will have follow-up appointments.

How much does therapy cost?
     The cost is determined on a sliding fee scale based on household income and county eligibility.  If you have private insurance, you will be responsible for any co-payment.  However, some insurance policies limit the type and number of services available to you.

How do I make an appointment?
     To make an appointment call 319-338-7884 or 1-800-697-3165.  You will talk with an Intake Coordinator who will obtain necessary information.  Our insurance specialist will contact you for further information.  An appointment with a member of our staff will then be made.
 
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WHAT?

      WHEN?

          WHERE?

                HOW?
 
To Contact the CMHC:
Phone: 319-338-7884
           1-800-697-3165
Fax:    319-338-7006
mentalhealth@meimhc.org

507 East College Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
 
Serving Johnson, Cedar, and Iowa Counties  

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