Cherokee Mental Health Institute

The Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI) provides active inpatient treatment to adults, who are in need of acute psychiatric services along with specialized treatment and security for adults ordered by the court into the custody of the state for the purposes of competency restoration, adults who have been acquitted of a crime by reason of insanity, and similarly situated adults.

Services

Inpatient psychiatric services for adults are provided by a multi-disciplinary treatment team composed of medical providers, nurses, social workers, psychologists, activities therapists, and resident treatment workers.

Each person has an individualized treatment plan that focuses on one’s assets. Individuals are encouraged to take part, together with staff members, in formulating one’s treatment plan. Services may include the use of medication, group counseling, and activities therapies.

CMHI operates a school that is approved by the Department of Education.  The school is on-site and provides general education, as well as a special education program.

Eligibility

• Admissions are accepted from any county in Iowa.
• CMHI serves adults who require hospitalization for acute symptoms of mental illness, as well as
  • provides specialized treatment and security for adults ordered by the court into the custody of the state for the purposes of competency restoration,
  • adults who have been acquitted of a crime by reason of insanity, and similarly situated adults. 

The goal is to treat individuals in the least restrictive setting possible and return them to their communities as soon as possible.

Apply for Care

Services are provided regardless of ability to pay. Most individuals are not able to pay for the cost of care and treatment out-of-pocket and will need assistance. To make a voluntary application for admission that will not be paid in full by the individual, contact the Regional Coordinator of Disability Services for more information.

If able to pay for the cost of care and treatment without assistance, individuals may make a voluntary application for admission directly to CMHI.

Involuntary commitments, except for emergency hospitalizations, are made only if CMHI is a designated service provider by the person’s MHDS region.

About the Facility

The facility is operated by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under the directorship of Kelly Garcia and under the leadership of Cory Turner, Director, State-Operated Specialty Care Division. Cory Turner is also the facility Superintendent.

CMHI is accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

CMHI hosts semiannual conferences on mental health issues to provide families, consumers and health care professionals with the latest information regarding mental health and its treatment. Please call 712-225-2594 for more information.

Career Opportunities

Looking for career opportunities at Cherokee MHI? Visit governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa and search Cherokee Mental Health Institute.