Behavioral Health Services | Ottumwa, IA
Behavioral Health • Ottumwa, IA • Since 1892
About
Ottumwa Regional Health Center in Ottumwa, IA offers a full range of behavioral health and related services as part of its medical and surgical care. While the page highlights general hospital services (emergency, critical care, obstetrics, pediatrics, cardiology, oncology, etc.), it lists a broad health system focus rather than detailing a dedicated behavioral health program. If you’re specifically seeking behavioral health for Ottumwa, you should contact the center directly at 641-684-2300 or visit ottumwaregionalhealth.com for current offerings, programs, and locations in Southeast Iowa.
Clinic Type
Behavioral Health
Address
Ottumwa Regional Health Center, Ottumwa, IA
Phone
641.684.3400
plpublic@idph.iowa.gov
Opening Hours
Not published — contact the clinic to confirm hours.
Emergency Care
Emergency Department for evaluation during crises; call 911 for immediate danger
Services Offered
Technology & Equipment
Insurance & Payment
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Languages Spoken
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FAQs
What services are offered by the behavioral health unit?
Dedicated inpatient care for adults 18+ with 24-hour supervised psychiatric treatment and clinical support.
How do I know if inpatient care is right for me?
Inpatient care is generally recommended when a person’s mental health symptoms become unmanageable at home or in an outpatient setting. Key indicators include thoughts or plans of self-harm or harming others, severe symptoms of psychosis, a sudden inability to perform daily self-care, or a medication crisis that requires close clinical supervision. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, please call 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Can I come directly for an assessment, or do I need a referral?
In many cases, individuals can contact the facility directly to discuss concerns and determine the next steps. Referrals may also come from physicians, therapists, hospitals, other healthcare professionals, or community members. A member of the team can help guide patients and families through the admissions and assessment process.
What happens after an assessment?
The journey to wellness starts with an assessment – a confidential conversation with one of our experienced behavioral health professionals. After consultation with a medical professional, you will be recommended a personalized plan of care.
Who can make referrals?
Referrals can be made by physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, ministers, nurses, home health agencies, nursing homes, family members or caregivers, teachers and other community partners. Individuals may also self-refer.
Photos
What Patients Say
Overall sentiment across review platforms: mixed
- Birdeye (Southern Iowa Mental Health Center): 2.5 / 5 stars (37 reviews)
- Recovered.org (Sieda Behavioral Health): 3.85 / 5 stars (Based on aggregate Trustscore data)
- ABA Navigator (Optimae LifeServices): 4.0 / 5 stars (10 reviews)
Patients praise
- Some staff members described as caring, loving, and empathetic
- Appreciation for specific community-focused initiatives and support services
- Instances of efficient emergency care and professional explanation of services
Common complaints
- Poor communication and accessibility (difficulty reaching staff, unreturned messages)
- Perceived lack of empathy or professional judgment by some staff members
- Concerns regarding privacy and confidentiality of personal information
- General dissatisfaction with hospital experiences, including long wait times and perceived dismissiveness
- Insufficient staffing levels reported at some facilities
"These people scarcely ever make themselves available. They usually do not even answer phone messages left."
— Birdeye User Review"It hurts knowing that these nurses are probably saying terrible things about their patients behind their backs."
— MedicalRecords.com User Review"The employees do not keep personal private information private... some employees are very unprofessional."
— ABA Navigator User ReviewSynthesized from public review platforms as of Jul 11, 2026 — sources: [1][2][3][4].
In the News
- ORHC Announces Appointment of Christina Smith as New Behavioral Health Unit Director — Jan 28, 2026
- Ribbon cutting held for Southern Iowa Mental Health Center | News | albianews.com — Dec 4, 2025
- Smith picked to lead behavioral health unit | Local News | ottumwacourier.com — Jan 27, 2026
- River Hills holds ribbon cutting for new Ottumwa clinic | Local News | ottumwacourier.com — Jun 4, 2026
- Free navigators help residents find behavioral health care | News | ottumwacourier.com — Jun 18, 2026
Information sourced from the clinic's website as of July 11, 2026.
More behavioral health clinics in Ottumwa
Southern Iowa Mental Health Center is a nonprofit mental health and substance use treatment provider founded in 1965 and based in Ottumwa, Iowa (HQ at 1527 Albia Rd in Ottumwa). Services include therapy, substance abuse treatment, medication management, and integrated health home services, plus crisis and community support options (e.g., crisis line, mobile crisis response, crisis stabilization, and various residential/subacute services). The center operates four offices across Iowa (Ottumwa and Oskaloosa area) and maintains an active status with about 9 employees and annual revenue in the $1–5 million range. Contact and location details are available on their site simhcottumwa.org, with multiple regional email addresses for outreach.
River Hills Community Health Center (RHCHC) is a nonprofit health system serving southeastern Iowa. Founded in 2000 and based in Centerville, it operates five locations in Ottumwa, Centerville, Richland, Oskaloosa, and Fairfield. RHCHC offers comprehensive care across multiple disciplines: family practice, pediatrics, gynecology/women’s health, behavioral health, general dentistry, and telehealth, with pharmacy and outreach prevention services. The organization emphasizes teamwork to improve patient outcomes and operates as a nonprofit with about 16 employees and annual revenue around $18.8 million. Key leadership includes CEO Joy Fullenkamp Alexander and Director of Clinical Quality Molly Layton. Open roles include a Controller. Contact and location details are available via their website.
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