Over the last several years, Broadlawns expanded its mental health services by expanding inpatient services, opening a Behavioral Health Urgent Care facility and adding electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedures, among other offerings. 

As mental health started to become less stigmatized in the late 2010s, more people sought support, resulting in a nationwide need for more services. Broadlawns specifically saw a rise in homelessness and incarceration in the community as a result of mental illness. 

In 2017, Broadlawns expanded its inpatient unit from 30 to 44 beds. They added an activity room where patients can participate in yoga, play games and more. A dedicated visitor’s room allows for more privacy, and a lower-level wing includes a four-seasons solarium and views of a forest. These renovations helped to create more dignity and a comfortable, welcoming environment for patients and visitors. 

The Behavioral Health Urgent Care facility was the first of its kind to open in Iowa. It operates the same as a standard urgent care unit, where patients can walk in and receive care from providers and therapists. The clinic typically sees 12-20 patients a day. 

ECT adds an even further layer of treatment for patients who need it most. The procedure has evolved significantly over the years and has become an important part of mental health care.  

“Some of the sickest patients become resistant to medications,” said Dr. Teresa Dolphin-Shaw, child and adolescent psychiatrist. “That requires a level of service such as ECT where we can help get them relief from whatever they’re suffering from.” 

In 2016, Broadlawns took over Mobile Crisis services, which help law enforcement officials with mental-health related calls. A trained social worker or mental health provider responds to situations in which the police think a mental health issue may be at play. The National 988 suicide prevention hotline now partners with Broadlawns so callers can be connected with Mobile Crisis. 

Broadlawns also took over the Crisis Stabilization Center, where patients who are in crisis but don’t meet the requirements for inpatient care can stay for up to five days and receive support through group and individual therapy. 

The need for mental health services at Broadlawns continues to grow. As a county hospital, providers do not discriminate based on insurance status or ability to pay. 

Jill Houle, director of outpatient behavioral health services, said Broadlawns is the second largest provider of behavioral health services in the state of Iowa.  

“We recognize we are serving a significant portion of behavioral health needs in the area. That means we have a responsibility to be forward-thinking, innovative and on the cutting edge.” 

That means Broadlawns will keep providing more specialized mental healthcare, including perinatal psychiatry, addiction medicine, and interventional psychiatry.