DES MOINES, IOWA (January 28, 2026) — For Iowans struggling with behavioral health concerns, one of the greatest challenges is knowing how to find help. Since last summer, the Iowa Primary Care Association (Iowa PCA) has been working to close the gap between Iowans and the support they need by offering system navigation services free of charge and to all Iowans, regardless of income or insurance.
“We’re working closely with Iowa Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) and their Your Life Iowa program to ensure clear, consistent pathways to care for Iowans with behavioral health care needs,” said Aaron Todd, CEO of the Iowa PCA.
The Iowa PCA began serving as the state's Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization after a new state law went into effect on July 1, 2025. In this role, the Iowa PCA provides free support to Iowans with concerns related to mental health, substance use, gambling and addiction. Oftentimes, those same Iowans also may not have access to insurance, housing or transportation, limiting their ability to access behavioral health services.
The Iowa PCA employs a team of Behavioral Health Services experts who live, serve and offer free “system navigation” assistance to Iowans in each of the state’s seven behavioral health districts. Iowans request system navigation services through the state’s Your Life Iowa program at yourlifeiowa.org or by calling (855) 581-8111.
“Recently, a woman struggling with substance use contacted Your Life Iowa and was then connected to our system navigation services,” said Emma Hall, Director of System Navigation with the Iowa PCA.
“Without insurance or access to transportation, she wasn’t sure whether she could even access the support she needed. Our team immediately found a community-based program that could help her, and within days she was connected with residential treatment.”
Hall emphasized that anyone can request support or ask questions. “Our services are free and are open to all Iowans and the people who care for them,” said Hall. “People come to us through many avenues that all lead to the one brightly lit front door. Our promise is this: we will listen to you, and we will fight to find the support you need. Our team works quickly, collaboratively and persistently to find options.”
Since July, the Iowa PCA’s Behavioral Health Services team has participated in more than 16,700 phone calls, virtual and in-person visits with Iowans, providing system-navigation assistance for those struggling with mental-health concerns, alcohol or substance use, gambling, housing needs, or food insecurity.
A Statewide Network of Free Assistance
The Iowa PCA’s team connects Iowans with options and information, including referral to mental-health providers, openings in psychiatric-care facilities, information about substance use or addiction-management programs, or access to community services to address housing needs or financial concerns.
To date, the Iowa PCA’s Behavioral Health Services team has connected Iowans with additional support through more than 4,929 referrals to providers or community-based services.
“We’re building a sustainable statewide system that supports prevention, early intervention, treatment, recovery, and crisis services — as well as basic needs and daily living challenges,” Todd said.
For Iowans who prefer face-to-face interaction when discussing their behavioral health needs, the Iowa PCA’s Behavioral Health Services team also offers in-person hours at locations hosted by county governments, public health departments, and community-based organizations. Twice weekly, members of the public can walk into locations across the state — no appointment needed — to discuss their needs in person and receive free system navigation support. Currently, nine sites host system navigators with five more locations being added in February. For a list of sites, visit iowapca.org/navigating-the-bhss.
Hall shared a recent example of how the team served a rural Iowan struggling to afford several essential medications. The Iowa PCA team helped the individual reapply for Medicaid and SNAP benefits. The team also reached out to the client’s pharmacy, doctor, and local assistance programs, and helped the individual apply for a prescription savings program. The individual was also connected to a local church that generously offered to cover remaining expenses.
“The client shared that no one had ever helped them to this extent and was deeply appreciative of our support. We work in tandem with our clients, so they develop confidence in themselves and trust in us,” Hall said.
The Iowa PCA's Behavioral Health Services staff are recruited for their expertise and connections with local providers, community programs, and area resources. In addition to fielding requests from Iowans in need, the team receives referrals and addresses questions from area health-care providers, community-based organizations, law enforcement and jail-based employees, school officials and staff, and local civic leaders.
“Just last week, a provider contacted us, seeking assistance for a patient they serve,” Hall said.
The individual had a serious health condition, needed to see a specialist in another town, but didn’t have access to transportation.
“Our team went to work right away. They found a local community service agency that offered transportation services, and together they coordinated efforts to ensure the patient made it to their medical procedure on time. We are working with providers across the state to establish effective communications channels and workflows so that we are working seamlessly on behalf of Iowans.”
In addition to responding to calls and requests for assistance, the Iowa PCA’s Behavioral Health Services team reaches out to groups and organizations to help spread the word about behavioral health system navigation services. So far, the team has participated in 531 speaking engagements and events to provide information and resources to both professional and community-based audiences.
To request free system navigation assistance, visit yourlifeiowa.org or call (855) 581-8111. To learn more about the Iowa PCA’s role in building the state’s Behavioral Health Service System, or for a list of locations offering in-person Behavioral Health System Navigation hours, visit iowapca.org/navigating-the-bhss.
The Iowa Primary Care Association (Iowa PCA) serves as the Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization for Iowa’s newly-redesigned Behavioral Health Service System. In addition to supporting Iowa’s fourteen community health centers, the Iowa PCA alongside its sister organizations, IowaHealth+ and INConcertCare — delivers a wide range of integrated supports across the health-care ecosystem. With a steadfast commitment to expanding access to high-quality, affordable, and preventive care, Iowa PCA is driving forward a future where every Iowan can reach their full health potential.
