Health and Wellness
You're Not Meant to Do This Alone
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your academic performance — and at GRS, we take both seriously. The transition to college, the demands of a rigorous program, and the weight of engaging with the world's most complex challenges can all take a toll. If you are struggling, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Below you will find mental health resources available to you at Iowa State and in the broader community.
Community Resources
Emergency Notification
The Iowa State University Student Assistance Office provides an Emergency Notification service to help students communicate with instructors during times of crisis or unexpected hardship. When a student is unable to contact their professors directly due to situations such as hospitalization, serious illness, accident, or a family emergency, the office can send an official email notification to faculty and academic advisors informing them of the student’s absence and situation.
This notification is intended to support communication and academic planning during the student’s absence, but it does not automatically excuse missed coursework or replace direct communication with instructors. Students are still responsible for following up with faculty about missed work and any required documentation once they are able.
When to use this service:
Use this service when a serious or unexpected situation prevents you from contacting instructors yourself and you need the university to communicate your absence on your behalf.
Request Emergency Class Notification
ISU Office of Student Assistance
The Office of Student Assistance at Iowa State University supports students facing academic, personal, health, or mental health challenges.
When to contact this office:
Students should reach out when they are unsure where to go for help or when a personal, medical, or academic situation is affecting their ability to succeed. The office serves as a central point of support and can connect students with the appropriate campus resources.
Services include:
- Crisis and emergency support
- Mental health referrals and wellness resources
- Emergency notifications to instructors
- Medical withdrawal and return-to-school assistance
- Accessibility and accommodation referrals
- Academic support and resource navigation
- Financial and basic-needs assistance
- Connections to campus and community resources
Get Student Support & Resources
Local Support Services
United Way of Iowa (211 Iowa) is a free, confidential information and referral service that helps people connect to local health and human services across Iowa. It acts as a central navigation system for community resources, linking individuals to housing support, food assistance, mental health services, utility help, and other essential programs when they are unsure where to start. The service is available statewide and connects users to a large, continuously updated database of local agencies and support programs.
Unlike individual service providers, 211 Iowa does not provide direct assistance. Instead, trained specialists assess a person’s situation and refer them to the most appropriate local resources, helping simplify complex systems of housing and social support.
When to use this service:
Use 211 Iowa when you are unsure which housing, financial, or basic needs resource to contact, or when you want to explore all available options in your area through a single starting point.
Financial Navigation & Counseling
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for people experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, or substance-use concerns. Trained counselors can help de-escalate situations, provide immediate support, and connect individuals to local mental health resources if needed.
When to use this service:
Use 988 when you or someone you know is in immediate emotional distress or a mental health crisis and needs urgent, confidential support right away.
Call or Text 988 for Crisis Support
Student Counseling Services
Student Counseling Services at Iowa State University provides free, confidential mental health support to help students navigate personal, emotional, and academic challenges. Services include individual counseling, group counseling, telecounseling, crisis intervention, consultation, self-guided wellness resources, and referrals to community providers when longer-term or specialized care is needed. Students can seek support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, grief, life transitions, and overall wellbeing. The office also offers same-day crisis support and 24/7 teletherapy options for students in need.
When to contact this office:
Students should reach out when they would benefit from professional mental health support, counseling, or crisis assistance. Unlike the Office of Student Assistance, which helps students connect to a variety of campus resources, Student Counseling Services provides direct mental health care and counseling from trained clinicians.
Schedule Counseling & Mental Health Support
Off-Campus Mental Health Providers (Ames & Iowa)
Students seeking mental health support outside of Iowa State can access a wide range of licensed therapists, counseling centers, psychiatric services, and community mental health providers in Ames and across Iowa. These providers offer services such as individual therapy, couples counseling, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, trauma support, and long-term mental health care.
Because availability, specialties, and wait times vary, most students find it helpful to use searchable directories or referral systems to identify providers that match their needs, insurance, and preferred format (in-person or telehealth).
When to use these resources:
Use off-campus providers when you need ongoing or specialized therapy beyond short-term campus counseling, require psychiatric medication management, want a provider with specific expertise, or are looking for long-term mental health care options.
- Psychology Today Therapist Directory — searchable listings of licensed therapists in Ames and across Iowa with filters for insurance, specialties, and availability https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/ia/ames
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Behavioral Health Provider Search — statewide directory of certified mental health providers and community mental health centers https://hhs.iowa.gov/health-prevention/behavioral-health/find-mental-health-providers
- 211 Iowa (United Way of Iowa) — statewide resource navigation system for mental health, housing, and crisis services, including local referrals https://211iowa.org/
Thielen Student Health Center
The Thielen Student Health Center provides medical care and wellness services to support students' physical health. Students can access healthcare professionals for routine, preventive, and urgent medical needs while attending Iowa State.
Students should contact the health clinic when they need medical evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or preventive healthcare. Unlike Student Counseling Services, which focuses on mental health, the health clinic provides direct medical care from healthcare professionals.
Services include:
- Primary medical care
- Illness and injury treatment
- Preventive and wellness services
- Immunizations and vaccinations
- Laboratory testing
- Sexual and reproductive health services
- Nutrition counseling
- Travel health consultations
- Management of chronic health conditions
Schedule a Health Clinic Appointment
Ask a Nurse (Medical Guidance)
If you are unsure what level of care you need, you can speak with a nurse by phone.
Thielen Student Health Center Nurse Line
During clinic hours, students can call a registered nurse for guidance on symptoms, care options, and whether an appointment is needed.
Phone: 515-294-5801
First Nurse (24/7 Health Line)
Mary Greeley Medical Center provides the First Nurse line, a 24/7 service where registered nurses help students decide what type of care is appropriate and where to go for treatment.
Phone: 515-239-6877
Ames Area Physical Health & Medical Care Providers
- Primary Care — McFarland Clinic - Primary care, routine checkups, illness care, chronic condition management, and preventive health services.
- Urgent Care — UnityPoint Clinic Urgent Care (Ankeny, IA) — Walk-in urgent care for minor injuries, infections, flu symptoms, and non-emergency medical needs when you can’t get a same-day appointment.
- Emergency or Advanced Care — Mary Greeley Medical Center — Full-service hospital offering emergency care, inpatient services, surgery, imaging, and specialty care for more serious medical needs.
- 211 Iowa (United Way of Iowa) — statewide resource navigation system for health, housing, and crisis services, including local referrals https://211iowa.org/
SHOP Food Pantry
The SHOP Food Pantry provides free, confidential access to food and essential items for Iowa State students experiencing food insecurity. Students can access groceries, fresh and packaged foods, and hygiene products as needed.
Services include:
- Free groceries and pantry items
- Fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable foods
- Personal hygiene products
- Confidential basic-needs support
- On-campus food access resources
Other Local Pantries & Meal Programs
Ames offers a network of free food pantries, meal programs, and emergency assistance services designed to support individuals and families experiencing food insecurity or difficulty accessing basic necessities. These resources range from daily meal programs with no requirements to monthly food pantry distributions and broader community assistance programs that can help with groceries, hygiene items, and other essential needs. Many services are open to all residents and operate on a no-cost or low-barrier basis, making them accessible in both short-term emergencies and ongoing situations.
- Food at First https://foodatfirst.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Bethesda Community Food Pantry https://bethesdaames.org/serve/bethesda-community-food-pantry/
- The Salvation Army - Ames Food Pantry https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/
- Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) - Emergency Food Pantry https://www.micaonline.org/services/nutrition/emergency-food/
- 211 Iowa (United Way of Iowa) — statewide resource navigation system for health, housing, and crisis services, including local referrals https://211iowa.org/
Emergency Residence Project - Short-Term Homeless Shelter (Immediate Safety)
The Emergency Residence Project provides short-term emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness in Ames. The program offers temporary housing, meals, and referrals to community resources that can help individuals find longer-term housing and stability. Shelter stays are typically limited to a short duration, and staff work with guests to help prevent ongoing homelessness when possible.
When to use this service:
Use this service if you are currently without safe housing or are at immediate risk of becoming homeless and need short-term shelter and support while working toward more stable housing.
Youth & Shelter Services (YSS) - Housing Support & Emergency Shelter (Immediate Safety)
Youth & Shelter Services (YSS) provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive housing programs for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. Services include short-term shelter, case management, rental assistance, and long-term housing stabilization support to help individuals transition into independent living.
When to use this service:
Use this service if you are a young person or young adult who needs emergency shelter, is at risk of homelessness, or needs help finding and maintaining stable housing with case management support.
Student Support Navigation (Guidance)
The Iowa State University Student Assistance Office serves as a central support hub for students navigating housing insecurity or other challenges that may impact their ability to succeed in college. The office does not provide housing directly, but it helps students understand their options and connect with the right campus and community resources for their situation. This may include referrals to emergency housing, financial assistance, basic needs support, or academic flexibility when personal circumstances are affecting enrollment.
When to use this service:
Use this office when you are unsure where to start, are overwhelmed by your options, or need help coordinating support across housing, academics, finances, and wellbeing. It is especially helpful when your situation is complex and requires multiple types of assistance.
Get Help Navigating Student Support
Salvation Army of Ames - Homelessness Prevention & Emergency Assistance (Prevention)
Salvation Army Ames offers emergency financial assistance and housing stability support, including help with rent, utilities, and homelessness prevention services when funding is available. They also connect individuals to other community resources.
When to use this service:
Use this service if you are currently housed but at risk of losing housing due to financial hardship, or if you need short-term rent or utility assistance to avoid homelessness.
211 Iowa - Full Housing & Crisis Resource Directory
If you are unsure where to start, or your situation does not fit into the options above, 211 Iowa is the most comprehensive resource directory for housing and crisis support in the state. It connects users to emergency shelters, rent and utility assistance, eviction prevention programs, legal aid, and other community-based services across Iowa.
Unlike the curated options above, 211 Iowa is a searchable statewide system, which means it can help you find additional or less common programs that may not be listed elsewhere.
Explore All Housing & Crisis Resources
Assault Care Center Extending Shelter & Support (ACCESS)
The Assault Care Center provides confidential support services for individuals affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and other forms of abuse or trauma. Services include crisis advocacy, emergency shelter, counseling support, safety planning, and assistance navigating medical, legal, and housing resources.
When to use this service:
Use this service if you have experienced violence, abuse, or sexual assault, or if you need immediate or ongoing support related to safety, recovery, or protection.
Get Confidential Crisis & Safety Support
LGBT National Hotline
The LGBT National Hotline provides free, confidential peer support and information for LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages. It offers a safe space to talk through identity concerns, mental health challenges, coming out, relationship issues, and crisis situations, along with referrals to local resources when needed.
When to use this service:
Use this hotline when you need confidential, nonjudgmental support related to sexual orientation or gender identity, especially if you are feeling isolated, unsafe, or in crisis.
Call the LGBTQ+ Support Hotline
National Human Trafficking Hotline
The National Human Trafficking Hotline provides 24/7 confidential support for individuals experiencing or at risk of human trafficking. Trained advocates can help with safety planning, crisis intervention, and connections to emergency services, shelters, and legal and recovery resources.
When to use this service:
Use this hotline if you or someone else may be experiencing trafficking, exploitation, coercion, or unsafe working or living conditions, or if you need urgent help leaving a dangerous situation.
Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) - Human Trafficking & Advocacy Services
The Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides statewide advocacy, training, and referral services related to domestic violence and human trafficking. It connects individuals to local shelters, legal support, and survivor services across Iowa.
When to use this service:
Use this organization when you need local support, advocacy, or referrals related to domestic violence or human trafficking, especially if you are seeking services within Iowa.
Financial Counseling & Support
Iowa State Financial Counseling / Student Financial Aid Support
Iowa State’s financial support services provide advising and guidance on financial aid, scholarships, loans, budgeting, and emergency financial situations. Students can get help understanding their aid package, planning for college costs, and accessing short-term financial assistance resources when unexpected expenses arise.
When to use this service:
Use this service when you need help navigating financial aid, understanding tuition costs, applying for scholarships, or addressing urgent financial concerns related to attending school.
Financial Counseling Clinic
The Financial Counseling Clinic at Iowa State University is a supervised, educational service where trained financial counseling and planning students provide one-on-one support to individuals and families. The clinic helps clients work through real-world financial challenges while developing practical strategies for budgeting, debt management, credit, savings, and overall financial decision-making. Sessions are guided by faculty and are designed to improve financial well-being and long-term stability.
When to use this service:
Use this clinic when you need help understanding or managing your personal finances, building a budget, addressing debt or credit concerns, or improving your overall financial planning in a structured, supportive setting.
Get Financial Counseling Support
Legal Aid & Housing Rights
Student Legal Services
The Student Legal Services office at Iowa State University provides free, confidential legal advice to currently enrolled students. Licensed attorneys help students understand their legal rights, review documents such as leases and contracts, and provide guidance or representation on a variety of civil and minor criminal matters. When appropriate, the office can also refer students to additional legal resources in the community.
When to use this service:
Use this office when you are dealing with housing issues (like leases or eviction concerns), legal questions, contract review, or other civil legal matters and need professional legal guidance.
Iowa Legal Aid
Iowa Legal Aid provides free civil legal assistance to individuals who meet income guidelines. Services include help with housing issues, eviction prevention, landlord-tenant disputes, unsafe living conditions, and other civil legal concerns. They also provide education about tenant rights and legal protections.
When to use this service:
Use this service when you are facing eviction, housing disputes, or need legal guidance related to renting, contracts, or civil legal rights.
211 Iowa (United Way of Iowa) – Resource Navigation
United Way of Iowa provides 211 Iowa, a statewide directory that connects individuals to financial assistance programs, rent and utility support, food resources, and other community services. It is especially useful when you are unsure what type of financial help you need or want to explore all available options in your area.
When to use this service:
Use 211 Iowa when you need help finding emergency financial assistance, housing support, or other local programs beyond campus resources.