Therapists in Sioux City, IA and Nearby Locations

Mental Health in Sioux City, Iowa

Sioux City is unique in that it crosses three states: Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The Iowa portion is known for its backdrop of rolling hills and ample greenery across 35 parks. It has a small-town feel but still serves as home to four colleges, including Briar Cliff University and St. Luke’s College.

When you’re not exploring Loess, it’s also a great place to learn about American history. The Sioux City Museum, Sergeant Floyd River Museum and Welcome Center, Sioux City Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and the Betty Strong Encounter Center all provide unique insights into the exploration of the land that eventually became the United States. War Eagle Park also remembers the native American population by honoring the burial site of Chief War Eagle Wambdi Okicize with an impressive statue.

Mental health is being increasingly recognized as an important topic in the United States. In addition to the dialogue around depression and anxiety, residents in Sioux City need to address the following challenges.

• Poverty: 14.5% of Sioux City residents are currently living below the poverty line as of July 2019. These individuals may face mental health challenges but often lack the resources to obtain support.
• Obesity: Obesity is one of the top health concerns per recent community health needs assessments (CHNA). While the rate of obesity is starting to decline nationally, it has ticked up in Iowa. Individuals who are overweight or obese may be vulnerable to both mental and physical health challenges.
• Substance Abuse and Addiction: The CHNA also identifies tobacco and substance abuse as a top health concern in the city. Mental health services can often help individuals and their friends and family as they deal with the devastating effects of addiction.
• Casinos: In recent years, several casinos have opened in Sioux City. While these establishments provide food and entertainment options for the city, gambling can be just as addictive as illicit substances. Anyone dealing with a gambling habit may benefit from mental health services as well.
• Manufacturing Economy: The economy of Sioux City is dominated by manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting. As the rest of the country and world become increasingly digitized, these industries may be left behind. The stress and fear around major economic and lifestyle changes may require special care.

Mental Health Resources in Sioux City

Iowa ranks relatively high compared to other states in terms of providing access to mental health care. The region also has initiatives such as Healthy Siouxland and Siouxland Cares to try and address some of the area’s most pressing healthcare needs.

In the Sioux City area, residents have many counselors to choose from. These counselors have been trained and qualified as licensed professional clinical counselors, licensed alcohol and drug counselors, licensed independent social workers, and licensed marriage and family therapists.

The counselors pull from a variety of modalities and will work with you to set goals and develop a care plan that fits your unique needs. Each of the counselors can be trusted to create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to share, grow, process, and recover.

Depending on your situation, they may use cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness-based therapies, and more. They have experience helping clients through wide-ranging challenges.

• Depression
• Grief
• Anxiety
• Anger
• Fear
• Addictions
• Relationship issues
• Intimacy issues
• Trauma and abuse
• Family conflicts
• Post-traumatic stress
• Parenting issues
• ADHD
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

The Challenge of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Sioux City

Although Iowa is known for its decent access to mental health care providers, state-wide data can often obscure local trends. The 10.3% of residents without health insurance and 14.7% living in poverty may face financial obstacles in obtaining care.

Alternative forms of care such as video, text, or online counseling may be more affordable. These residents can also look into non-profits and community groups. Many of these organizations provide free or sliding-scale services, crisis lines, and support groups.