The SIMHC History

SIMHC opened as a Community Mental Health Center in 1966 following the tragic death of a Wapello County Jail inmate. The county knew we could do better with outpatient treatment. The Center’s first location was on the first floor of Ottumwa Regional Health Center and only served those patients leaving the inpatient unit that had no insurance. At that time, the Center was fully funded by the county and did not accept insurance payments. Since that time SIMHC would move three more times, each location change was due to an increased number of patients and staff. SIMHC is now the Community Mental Health Center for five counties, accepts all private and public funding sources and offers the full spectrum of mental health out patient care and crisis services.

MISSION

The Mission of Southern Iowa Mental Health Center is to empower individuals and families with multiple issues in moving towards recovery and overall well- being. We do this by providing a welcoming, comprehensive and caring community mental/behavioral health program through diagnosis, treatment and partnership with helpful local resources.

Southern Iowa Mental Health Center

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