Available Crisis Resources

Same day Urgent Counseling Services are also available to students on Monday through Thursday from 1-3pm, as appointments are available. If you need an urgent appointment, please call the center about the urgent times available that day. If you need immediate assistance outside of the urgent appointment hours or there are not any available urgent appointments, please do not hesitate to contact us Drake Public Safety (515-271-2222), Call the Uwill crisis hotline (833-636-1526) or visit a local hospital. 

Students who need emergency mental health during business hours should call the Counseling Center at (515) 216-5100 or Drake Public Safety at (515) 271-2222, or utilize the resources below in the event there is limited availability to be seen immediately.

IMPORTANT: Email should not be used in emergencies.

After Hours Clinics, Hospitals and Pharmacies

Students who need emergency mental health care when the University Counseling Center is closed should call Drake Public Safety at 515-271-2222 or 911. All off-campus treatment is the financial responsibility of the student.

• Crisis Observation Center is intended to meet the needs of individuals who are experiencing an acute behavioral health stressor that impairs the individual’s capacity to cope with his/her normal activities of daily living. The goal of the Crisis Observation Center is to offer a place for individuals to seek crisis intervention services and stabilize them quickly so they can return to the community. The length of stay is up to 23 hours. Services offered include a nursing assessment, care/service coordination, crisis intervention therapy, and access to a psychiatric prescriber if needed. Staff include registered nurses, Master’s level psychotherapists, psychiatric technicians, and care/service. These services are offered in a safe and supportive environment.  
  Crisis Observation Center – open 24/7.
  1914 Carpenter Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50211, Phone: 515-282-5742

• Broadlawns Behavioral Health Urgent Care Clinic: The Broadlawns Behavioral Health Urgent Care will accept walk-in appointments for individuals 18 years of age or older who are experiencing an exacerbated mental health condition.  Services at the clinic include mental health assessments, medication management, therapeutic counseling and coordination of services for healthcare and basic needs. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
  • 1914 Carpenter Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50211, Phone: 515-282-5742
• Clive Behavioral Health: Offers a compassionate inpatient program to help adults with a behavioral health disorder or co-occurring disorders. The program is designed to help them achieve mental stability or long-term stability. Additionally, we offer dual diagnosis treatment for individuals who suffer from co-occurring behavioral health and substance use disorder issues.
  • 1450 NW 114th Street, Clive, Iowa 50325, 844-680-0504
• Lutheran Hospital is a local center for inpatient psychiatric services. The location is 700 E University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316. To access psychiatric services call the 24-hour hotline: (515) 263-5249.
• Mercy Hospital is a local hospital with a variety of services. The location is 1111 6^th Avenue, Des Moines, IA. Access to treatment for mental health illness or substance abuse is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling the Mercy Help Center at (515) 271-6111 or toll-free (800) 595-4959.

Suicide Prevention: 

Your life has value, and we care about your safety and quality of life. If you are having thoughts about hurting yourself, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - dial or text 988. You can also visit your nearest ER or contact the following resources: 

1) Uwill Crisis Hotline: 833.646.1526

2) Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988

3) Your Life Iowa: Call (855-581-8111), Text (855-895-8398), or live chat

4) Trevor Project Crisis Line for LGBTQ Young People: offers text, chat, and phone options.

5) Crisis Text Line: Text 741741

• BIPOC students can text COALITION to 741741 to receive support specifically for BIPOC communities.

6) Trans Lifeline for Trans peer support: Call 877-565-8860

7) Queer and Trans BIPOC Crisis Resources

8) 24/7 Local Crisis Line: Call 211 or 988

9)  Mobile Crisis: In an emergent situation, please call 911 and tell law enforcement dispatch that there is a mental health crisis and clearly explain the situation. For non-emergent situations, please call the non-emergent DMPD dispatch at (515) 283-4811 or Drake Public Safety at 515-271-2222

On Campus After Hours Care: 

• For matters related to sexual and interpersonal misconduct, please visit Drake Title IX. 
• Violence Intervention Partners (VIP) are a group of trained and certified students that support people who have experienced sexual assault, harassment, intimate partner violence, and stalking. They are confidential peer support and are available 24/7 via their call and text hotline: 515-512-2972
• Drake Public Safety: 515-271-2222