UnityPoint Health - Eyerly Ball
Current Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Information
Number of patients waiting reflects the current number of patients waiting to be seen. This number changes frequently and is not exact.
About Us
We know true wellness is much more than physical well-being. We are committed to providing solutions that address all areas of health including mental and emotional health. Eyerly Ball offers a full continuum of mental health services and treatment to meet the needs of our community, from family and individual counseling to outpatient care for all ages. Eyerly Ball Community Mental Health Services is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
We ensure confidentiality is maintained at all levels of care. We provide comprehensive, effective mental health services that help achieve their optimum level of independence and success. Eyerly Ball's core focus is on outpatient, residential, community outreach, care coordination and crisis services. Our clinicians provide high quality, recovery-focused treatment including individual, couple and group counseling as well as psychiatric assessments, medication management and substance abuse treatment in a confidential and supportive environment to children, adolescents and adults.
When a client requires more intensive assistance beyond Eyerly Ball's services (such as intensive outpatient treatment, inpatient or residential treatment or detox), we refer to other providers in the community.
Proudly serving our community for 50 years
In the 1960's, two Des Moines area women, Jeannette Eyerly and Elizabeth Ball, were pioneers in advocating for the mentally ill. They were committed to helping people lead productive lives within the community. Ms. Eyerly and Ms. Ball worked relentlessly, pleading with local officials, giving a voice to the helpless and paved the way for Polk County Mental Health Center, which opened in 1969.
Today that innovative solution, to what was once a neglected problem, has grown to become UnityPoint Health - Eyerly Ball, a pioneering source for outpatient, residential and community mental health services. As a leader in providing services that respond to the changing mental health needs in our community, Eyerly Ball has evolved over the years from a single outpatient clinic to include multiple clinic locations, residential facilities, community outreach programs, care coordination and crisis services. All of the services provided by Eyerly Ball aim to help our clients maintain all aspects of their well-being so that they can lead healthy, productive lives as active members of our community.
Eyerly Ball staff are highly specialized clinicians and professionals dedicated to top quality, outcome driven services provided with exceptional care. We strive to provide the support and compassion needed to make real and lasting changes in the lives of those we serve.
Services Offered
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Children's Behavioral Health
At UnityPoint Health, we strive to provide the highest level of care for each patient. We work to identify and understand the problems your child is having and then put together a plan for your child and family to help start the road to a healthy life.Children's Behavioral Health
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Community Support Services
Community Support Services (CSS) are available to adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Community Support Services is here to support individuals as they live and work in the community.Community Support Services
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Urgent Behavioral Health Care
Our Behavioral Health Access Center in central Iowa provides urgent care to individuals who are needing mental health services. Both pediatric and adult patients can be seen at our Access Center.Urgent Behavioral Health Care
Additional Services at Eyerly Ball
At Eyerly Ball, we understand that every child is unique and deserves specialized care tailored to their individual needs. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing compassionate mental healthcare for children of all ages.
Services Provided
- Mental Health Evaluation
- Individual and Family Therapy
- Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
- Substance Use evaluations
- Medication Evaluations
- Medication Management
Eyerly Ball Integrated Health Home (IHH) has the tools and resources you need from the provider you trust. Using a team-based health care delivery model with a nurse, care coordinator and a peer support specialist, the IHH team works to provide comprehensive care for you. Each IHH participant is assigned a team who actively reviews the participant's mental and physical status and creates an individualized care plan.
Services Provided:
- Comprehensive Care Management
- Care Coordination
- Health Promotion
- Comprehensive Transitional Care
- Individual and Family Support Services
- Referral to Social and Community Services
How to Access Services
To be eligible for Integrated Health Home, individuals must:
- Be diagnosed with a serious mental illness including one of the following: psychotic disorders, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, bipolar disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Individuals must actively be enrolled in Medicaid
- Be a resident of one of the following counties: Polk, Warren, Madison, Dallas, Boone, Greene or Story
Integrated Services Project (ISP) provides non-traditional and creative wrap-around services to adults with chronic mental illness. Services are voluntary and focused on helping individuals meet self-identified goals as well as increased independence and self-sufficiency. Services are provided utilizing a team approach. Each team consists of 3 team members along with an employee/education specialist and a peer support, who are responsible for providing face to face assistance with the services listed below.
Services Provided
Services and supports provided include, but are not limited to:
- Symptom management
- Skills teaching
- Vocational and education services
- Socialization activities
- Community Integration
- Employment
- Education
How to Access Services
To be eligible for Integrated Services, the following criteria must be met:
- Mental Health diagnosis
- Resident of Polk County
- Polk County or Medicaid funding
Eyerly Ball offers a 24/7 Mobile Crisis Response Team for the CICS's and Care Connections' 18-county region. The Mobile Crisis Response Team is an active part of a state-wide crisis system of prevention, response and postvention services, responding immediately to crisis events and providing postvention follow-up services to all clients. Counties served by the Mobile Crisis Response Team include:
- Franklin
- Hamilton
- Hardin
- Boone
- Story
- Marshall
- Jasper
- Poweshiek
- Warren
- Madison
- Greene
- Wright
- Winnebago
- Webster
- Worth
- Hancock
- Kossuth
- Cerro Gordo
How to Access Services
To access the Mobile Crisis Response Team, anyone within the 18-county region may call the Crisis Center at 1-855-581-8111. The service is available to all ages. Anyone experiencing a crisis can access the crisis line, whether it is adolescent behavioral issues, depression, anxiety, substance use, suicidal thoughts and everything in between. Trained phone responders will assess the situation and deploy the Mobile Crisis Response Team if an in-person response is deemed to be necessary or helpful.
A trained two-person team will leave as soon as they have been dispatched and will respond to the scene within 60 minutes. Once onsite, the on-call counselors are able to perform crisis assessments and will take the necessary time with the client to:
- Determine if suicidal or homicidal ideations are present
- Determine if de-escalation and stabilization in the field are possible
- Complete a thorough safety plan with the client if they are willing to contract for safety in that moment
If transportation is necessary to ensure client safety, on-call counselors will transport voluntary clients ages 12 and above (with the presence of a parent or guardian for children and dependent adults).
Within 24 hours of the end of the crisis interaction, a case manager will attempt to make contact with the client and is available to provide up to 30 days of case management services. Case management can coordinate appointments, provide transportation for appointments and provide reassurance to clients.
Crisis Stabilization Community-Based Services
Crisis Stabilization Community-Based Services (CSCBS) are short-term services designed to de-escalate an individual experiencing a mental health crisis and stabilize them where the individual lives, works, attends school or socializes. CSCBS is a voluntary service for individuals in need of a safe, secure location that is less intensive and restrictive than an inpatient hospital. The goal of CSCBS is to stabilize the individual within the community.
Services provided through Crisis Stabilization Community-Based Services include but are not limited to:
- Psychiatric services and assessment
- Medication management
- Counseling
- Referral to additional Eyerly Ball programs
- Peer support
- Connection to ongoing services and resources
Crisis Stabilization Community-Based Services are offered to individuals who have utilized the Mobile Crisis Response Team in one of the eighteen counties listed above.
Eyerly Ball's professional therapists serve individuals with mental health, substance use and co-occurring disorders. Our therapists empower individuals to build the skills needed to begin the recovery process. They actively collaborate with other treatment providers to help maintain a network of care and ensure the patient's treatment is updated as needs change. Therapy services are recovery-focused and based on person-centered planning and client-directed outcomes.
Examples of Programs:
- Substance use evaluation and treatment
- OWI screenings
- Group Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- Medication Management
- RESTORE - first episode psychosis treatment
- Psychiatric treatment, monitoring & stabilization through medication
- Children's Services
UnityPoint Health - Eyerly Ball Residential Services strive to assist individuals who have a severe and persistent mental illness in gaining, or regaining, the skills necessary to live independently within the community. Professional staff at the facilities provide quality care to our clients in a home setting and encourage least-restrictive living so residents can reach their goals and live a satisfying and rewarding life.
Residential Care Facilities
Eyerly Ball operates two residential care facilities for individuals with mental illness that focus on rehabilitation services. Cummins House and Francis House each have 15 beds and operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Activities of daily living and skills training are provided to teach residents how to live independently. Skills training provided incudes cooking, budgeting, hygiene, cleaning, social skills, community resources and medication management.
Habilitation Homes
In addition to our residential care facilities, Eyerly Ball also operates habilitation homes in the community, which are staffed daily based on the needs of the clients. Activities of daily living and skills teaching are provided to enable residents to live independently in their own home. Community involvement and integration are emphasized while each client is encouraged to attend community activities, volunteer or find employment.
How to Access Residential Services
To be eligible for Residential Services the following criteria must be met:
- Adults age 18 and older
- Primary psychiatric diagnosis with current psychiatric services
- One of the following funding sources: Medicaid habilitation, county funding or private funds
RESTORE is an innovative and cutting edge program offered through Eyerly Ball that focuses on early intervention treatment for first episode psychosis. RESTORE is comprised of a team of mental health and medical professionals who offer comprehensive outpatient services for individuals who have experienced an episode of psychosis or those who are experiencing psychosis and getting treatment for the first time. If psychosis can be diagnosed and treatment can begin as soon as possible during a first psychotic break, success and quality of life is improved. If treatment does not begin until later (after many psychotic episodes) a prognosis decreases.
RESTORE can help you and your family navigate the road to recovery from an episode of psychosis, including supporting efforts to function well at home, on the job, at school, and in the social world. This program's goal is recovery, which is defined as a person's ability to experience a rewarding and meaningful life – even while the person may be managing or coping with existing symptoms.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) released a research project to pilot the RESTORE program. Eyerly Ball was a selected pilot site along with 7 other sites across the country. Based on the outcomes of this research, first episode Psychosis treatment became a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) evidence based practice now utilized across the country.
RESTORE Services include:
- Psychiatric medication management
- Individual therapy and education
- Family therapy and education
- Supportive employment/educational services
- Community support services
How to Access Services
To be eligible for the RESTORE program, the following criteria must be met:
- Age 15 – 40
- Symptoms of Psychosis (auditory or visual hallucinations or paranoia)
- Additional symptoms may include substance use, disruptive moods, or problems with organizing thoughts
- Symptoms interfere with life goals
- Likely diagnosis of Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform, Schizoaffective, Brief Psychosis
At Eyerly Ball, we recognize the challenges individuals face in overcoming substance abuse disorders and reclaiming their lives. Our experienced team of professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective support to those battling addiction. We offer a range of services tailored to address the unique needs of everyone.
Services Provided
- Substance use evaluations
- Individual treatment
- Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) (Only offered at Eyerly Ball – Penn Avenue)
- Group setting treatment offerings
Substance abuse services are offered at Eyerly Ball – Ames and Eyerly Ball – Penn Avenue.
Groups
We offer a variety of groups to help adult clients on their journey to mental wellness. Our groups are tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals managing both mental health and substance use disorders, emotional regulation challenges and overall wellbeing. Whether you're seeking drop-in support or structured skills-based training, our compassionate team is here to guide you.
All group sessions are held at our UnityPoint Health – Eyerly Ball – Penn Avenue location. For questions and to register for a group, call (515) 241-0982.
Group Offerings
This support group is for adult Eyerly Ball clients currently receiving services and have a diagnosis of both a mental health and substance use disorder. The group’s main focus is to support individuals navigating life with a dual diagnosis such as anxiety, depression or PTSD along with a co-existing substance use disorder.
When: Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m.
This is a drop-in group, no sign-up is required.
DBT is a 3-month class for highly suicidal and self-destructive adults to learn and practice mindfulness and other skills to effectively regulate emotions, tolerate distress and improve interpersonal relationships. Individuals will create a life worth living through practicing the balance of acceptance and change.
When: Tuesdays, 12-2 p.m.
Sign-up is required for this group. New clients are accepted every month. Please call (515) 241-0982 to register.
Anger management is an 8-week group that uses acceptance and commitment therapy. The group helps adults increase awareness of their anger, learn to accept that anger is a part of their life and develop skills to better navigate their anger.
When: Mondays, 3-4:30 p.m.
Sign-up is required for this group. Please call (515) 241-0982 to register.
In this adult support group, participants will connect with others and explore different dimensions of their wellbeing. Hands-on approaches like worksheets, mindfulness activities and other approaches will be used to help support whole-body health and improve wellbeing.
When: Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.
This is a drop-in group, no sign-up is required.
STEPPS is a 20-week skills group for adults who struggle with emotional intensity. This evidence-based educational group teaches individuals about the behaviors and feelings that describe their disorder as well as skills to change behaviors and manage feelings.
When: Wednesdays, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Sign-up is required for this group. Please call (515) 241-0982 to register.
STAIRWAYS is an advanced group that reinforces STEPPS (Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving) skills for managing emotional intensity, identifying new skills to help with ongoing problems and practicing applying new skills to specific goals and life challenges.
When: Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m.
Before signing up for this group, an individual must have taken and completed the STEPPS group. Please call (515) 241-0982 to register.
Behavioral Health Navigators
For your ease of access, UnityPoint Health – Eyerly Ball offers a direct line to assist in navigating the mental health system. Our behavioral health navigator team is comprised of intake and enrollment professionals who offer initial meetings face-to-face or over the phone. Navigators meet with you to identify your needs and offer resources and services available to you.
- Enrolling into case management services
- Provide resources for shelter, food, energy assistance and other basic needs
- Provide information about outpatient mental health services
- Assist individuals in applying for Medicaid, SNAP benefits and SSI/SSDI benefits
- Individual and family support services
- Referral to social and community services
Behavioral health navigators are available at the following locations:
- UnityPoint Health – Eyerly Ball – Ames
- UnityPoint Health – Eyerly Ball – Behavioral Health Access Center
- UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine – East Des Moines
There is no cost for behavioral health navigator services but you must have a funding source to enroll in formal care management services. If you do not have a funding source, a navigator can help you explore options for funding. Contact the behavioral health navigator team today!
Payment Information
- Eyerly Ball accepts payment from Medicaid, Medicare, most Commercial Insurance Plans and self-pay. Eyerly Ball actively assists uninsured individuals in securing insurance and those unable to afford the full service fee by applying for our sliding fee scale.
- Eyerly Ball also provides OWI screenings to Medicaid-eligible individuals and to those willing to pay the screening fee ($125 for individuals not covered by Medicaid). Individuals seeking an OWI screening must bring a copy of his/her arrest report.
- Eyerly Ball's Medication Assistance Program helps individuals with no insurance, or those who are low-income, obtain medications by applying for assistance from the pharmaceutical companies. Ask your medical provider for more information.
- Eyerly Ball's Sliding Fee Scale
Leadership
Charged with providing overall strategic direction, members of UnityPoint Health – Eyerly Ball leadership team work together to make sure only the best possible care is provided to clients and families.
Board Members- David Albrecht, President
- Terry Slinde, Vice President
- Gretchen Tegeler, Treasurer
- Dr. Corrine Ganske
- Ciara Lewis, PsyD, Secretary
- Dr. Andrea Silvers
- Deb Schildroth
