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 rather than being shut away in a hospital or institution. Ms. Eyerly and Ms. Ball worked relentlessly, pleading with local officials, giving a voice to the helpless, and paved the way for the Polk County Mental Health Center, which opened in 1969.
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Services Offered
Outpatient Therapy
Eyerly Ball's professional therapists use treatment and intervention to increase the strengths and resources of each individual served. We 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, with an emphasis on evidence-based treatment. Therapy services are recovery-focused and based on person-centered planning and client-directed outcomes.
Fees and Payment
Eyerly Ball accepts payment from all major insurances, Title XIX and Medicare. An individual living in an Iowa county who is without insurance and unable to afford the full service fee can apply for a sliding fee. The sliding fee is based on household income and family size.
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Qualifying for assistance from Iowa's program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Iowa's program.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.
