Counseling Services
Loren A. Olson, M. D. James D. Brooks, M. D.
Mental health concerns vary from short-term reactions to stress or change to chronic illness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 90 percent of people with mental illness will improve or recover when they receive counseling, medication or a combination of both.
Lucas County Health Center Counseling Services is accredited and licensed by the State Division of Iowa. The staff is made up of board certified adult and child psychiatrists, licensed mental health professionals, certified addictions counselor, and a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Your inquiries and all services are confidential. To schedule an appointment, call the office at 641.774.3370 or 800.404.3111 Ext. 3370 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Mental Health Outpatient Treatment:
Individual, couple, and family psychotherapy, marriage counseling, psychoactive medications management and monitoring, home/school visits, employee assistance program and dual diagnosis treatment are available.
Play Therapy:
Play is the natural language of children in that children will naturally play out the kinds of experiences they have encountered in life when they do not have the language or ability to fully express these experiences verbally. Play therapy for children offers a way for the child to express their thoughts and feelings through the use of toys. Play therapy is different than regular play in that the therapist is trained in the use of many play therapy techniques to help children communicate, practice new skills, stimulates creative thinking, regulates emotion, and improve self esteem/self confidence. During child centered play therapy, therapists strategically utilize toys to help children with a wide range of symptomology, including but not limited to: ADHD, depression, autism spectrum disorders, grief and loss issues, anger management, anxiety, and trauma.
Play therapy was initially developed around 1900, and although techniques and methods have grown over the years, research has shown that it is effective with children through the age of 12, although it can also be used with teenagers and adults. According to the Association for Play Therapy, play therapy helps children become responsible for their own behavior, develop creative solutions, develop respect for others and self acceptance, learn to experience and express emotions, cultivate empathy for the thoughts and feelings of others, learn new social skills and relational skills with family, and develop self-efficacy and better assuredness about their abilities.
Substance Abuse Treatment:
Individual, family and group outpatient therapy.
Evaluation:
OWI, prescreening for psychiatric hospital care and psychological testing.
Co-occurring Disorders:
There are many terms which can be confusing. The term Co-Occurring refers to having both a substance use disorder (problems with alcohol and other drugs) and a mental disorder (depression, bipolar etc.). This can be confusing as many people are not aware they have both disorders. For example, substance-induced mood swings can mimic bipolar disorder. It is important to have an evaluation for both substance use and mental disorders in order to receive effective treatment. If both disorders are present, both need to be addressed. That is because 1) use of alcohol and other drugs can make mental illnesses worse and keep medication and treatment from working properly. 2) Mental illnesses often make it harder to stop using alcohol and other drugs.
It may not be uncommon to feel ashamed, afraid, lost and angry at the thought of having co-occurring disorders. Treatment offers the opportunity to feel better emotionally and physically. Part of treatment is learning to deal in all areas of your life. Treatment consists of learning about your disorders, coping skills for related symptoms, medication, and addressing other areas such as family, legal and work/school and lifestyle issues. The treatment team is made up of a number of professionals from Counseling Services. Treatment may include medication management, individual/family therapy/counseling, group therapies including continuing care, peer support and referral to community support. A support network is important and remains available through out your progress.
Emergency:
24-hour availability, call 641.774.3211.
Education:
Current trends in treatment, role of medication and psychotherapy, parent and family interaction, LCHC Counseling Services Associates role and function, and other topics upon request.
Consultation:
Case - discussions with other professionals on mental health issues.
Program - developing or reviewing programs that have a mental health component or implication.
Community - assisting in developing programs or identifying needs.
Translation Services:
We have access to translation services to help us communicate with all of our clients, including those who speak Ukrainian.
Prescriptions:
If you need a refill before your next appointment, ask your pharmacist to fax the request to us at 641.774.3261, or you may email us at counseling@lchcia.com, or call the office at 641.774.3370 or 800.404.3111 Ext. 3370 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with your request.
Payment for Services:
LCHC Counseling Services is a preferred provider for most insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid. MasterCard and VISA are accepted for ease of payment.
Mental Health Links
Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Iowa
Recovery Iowa - Substance Abuse
Children's Mental Health Facts
Services for Children and Families
Iowa Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health
Trauma Workshop Supplemental Information:
Handout 1
Handout 2
Handout 3
PPT Slides
