About MHDS

What does MHDS do?

MHDS is responsible for planning, coordinating, and improving mental health and disability services for the State of Iowa.  The Division engages in a wide variety of activities that promote a well-coordinated statewide system of high quality disability-related services and supports including:

MHDS SETS DISABILITY POLICY

The Division provides leadership and sets the direction of state policy for the system of mental health and disability services for the State of Iowa.  MHDS plans for and oversees the provision of disability-related services for children and adults with a wide range of disability conditions, including mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, mental retardation, developmental disabilities, and brain injury.  MHDS is the designated State Mental Health Authority.  It is the division of state government responsible for statewide planning and oversight of mental health services and distribution of federal funds received through the Community Mental Health Block Grant, which supports the provision of mental health services to Iowans and the improvement of the mental health services system in our state.   

MHDS COORDINATES SERVICES

The Division works with counties, advisory and planning councils, other DHS programs, and other state agencies to coordinate services.  We provide staff support to the Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Developmental Disabilities, and Brain Injury Commission; the Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council; and the Olmstead Consumer Task Force, and welcome input from individuals and families.   

MHDS REVIEWS QUALITY STANDARDS

The Division works with service providers to assure quality by setting standards for certain facilities and services that are provided to adults and children with mental illness, mental retardation, developmental disabilities and brain injury and evaluating how well those standards are met through an accreditation process. 

MHDS GUIDES SYSTEM CHANGE

The Division is engaged in continuous efforts to improve, coordinate, and re-design the system of mental health and disability services for children and adults in Iowa.

MHDS MANAGES GRANTS AND CONTRACTS

The Division distributes and oversees the use of federal and state funding through contracts with providers or other agencies that offer services or coordinate projects that promote the Division’s goals .

MHDS PROVIDES INFORMATION

The Division provides information, consultation, and other support to consumers, families, advocates, providers, and other interested Iowans about services, policies, programs, resources, and data.

MHDS is organized into three bureaus:

• Adult Mental Health and Disability Services
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Disability Services
• Accreditation