The YSS Crisis Stabilization Program is for those times when a youth (ages 12-18) is experiencing an acute mental health, behavioral health, or substance use issue that requires more than a visit to the pediatrician, but less than a trip to the emergency room.
Please note: If someone is experiencing suicidal or homicidal ideation, they should be immediately taken to the hospital.
Supervised Care
Crisis stabilization provides short-term care with 24-hour supervision in a residential setting without the added trauma of hospitalization.
The program offers intervention and support for both your family and your child to stabilize the current situation and plan for the future.
Our approach is trauma-informed, strength-based, and family centered from referral to discharge.
This program is not available to youth who are involved with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or the Juvenile Court System.
YSS's short-term Crisis Stabilization Program supports your entire family by assessing your child's situation, providing professional services, creating a plan to address your family's needs, and working to establish a happier home.
How to Get Started
Intake Process:
- Call us and let us know you're interested in the Crisis Stabilization Program.
- Central Iowa: 515-233-2330
- North Iowa: 641-423-7362
- Staff will conduct a brief screening of your child to determine program fit.
- If your child is identified as a candidate for the program, our outpatient team will assess eligibility, which includes determining bed availability.
- Once eligibility is confirmed, your child will be admitted into the program and services will begin.
What to Expect:
- Initial crisis screening upon referral.
- 24-hour residential shelter placement for youth for 1-5 days.
- Assessment completed by a licensed professional to determine service recommendations for your child.
- Referral for Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS) to address unhealthy skills and improve how your and family function together as a unit.
- Daily individual and family therapy provided.
- Discharge planning, including recommendations for services in your home community.
Bobby's Story
Bobby was struggling to manage his mental health when he entered the YSS Crisis Stabilization Program in Mason City. After being hospitalized for suicidal ideation and combative behaviors, his parents were worried for their safety.
Bobby lived in our shelter while he and his family worked with staff to manage his mental health needs. Bobby improved both his social and communication skills while learning to express his feelings with words rather than violence.
With Bobby temporarily away, his parents worked on their parenting skills and developed strategies for Bobby’s return home. Bobby completed the program and continued to receive outpatient therapy through YSS. Since his discharge, Bobby has not been suicidal or aggressive toward his family members—and they all have better hope for the future.
Locations
Central Iowa
703 Burnett Avenue
Ames, Iowa
515-233-2330
Counties served: Audubon, Boone, Clark, Dallas, Decatur, Franklin, Greene, Guthrie, Hardin, Hamilton, Jasper, Lucas, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Monroe, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Story, Warren, and Wayne
Northern Iowa
50 N. Eisenhower Avenue
Mason City, Iowa
641-423-7362
Counties served: Allamakee, Black Hawk, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Clayton, Emmet, Fayette, Floyd, Grundy, Hancock, Howard, Humboldt, Mitchell, Pocahontas, Tama, Winneshiek, and Wright
