July 6, 2021 (FAIRFIELD) – Optimae Behavioral Health and the Southeast Iowa Link mental health and disability services region announce that Optimae is now providing mental health crisis assessments to the people of Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Van Buren and Washington counties. The new program took effect July 1.
“The Southeast Iowa Link (SEIL) mental health and disability services region issued an RFP in Oct. 2020 for the purpose of purchasing crisis assessment and evaluation service with a provider across all eight counties of the region. We were delighted to award the RFP to Optimae in order to accomplish this goal,” said Ryanne Wood, SEIL Region CEO. “Optimae has experience in providing service throughout the region and will be able to hit the ground running. Highly trained and experienced therapists, who are familiar with local resources, will not only provide crisis assessment, but also connect individuals in crisis to the service and supports that are needed. This effective and efficient structure of crisis service delivery will be an asset to communities and individuals to ensure access to high quality behavioral health care and treatment that is focused on individual strengths and goals.”
Under the program, Optimae professionals respond to calls requesting mental health crisis assessments from participating hospitals, law enforcement and SEIL coordinators of disability services. Individuals who believe they or someone they support need this service can reach out to any of these agencies or contact their local Optimae office for help.
Optimae has a team of licensed mental health professionals with specialized training to complete crisis evaluations. They use a combination of standardized tools, interviewing and collaborative communication to identify the right level of care, and support persons in getting the help they need.
Optimae has been providing crisis evaluations for several years in the emergency departments in Jefferson, Lee and Van Buren counties.
“It has been a pleasure to work with the dedicated and caring crisis intervention staff at Optimae for the past seven years,” said Staci Worley, Jefferson County Health Center emergency and education manager. “We are so grateful for the collaboration we receive from their professionals. They truly make a difference in our patients’ and staff’s lives.”
Optimae Behavioral Health has offices throughout the Southeast Iowa Link region — including in Burlington, Fairfield, Fort Madison, Keokuk, Mount Pleasant and Washington — providing therapy and psychiatric evaluation and management to people of all ages. Optimae also oversees the SEIL-funded recovery and resource centers in Burlington and Fairfield, which are open to all. In addition, Optimae provides home health and community-based habilitation and HCBS services throughout the region.
For more information, see Optimae’s website at www.optimaelifeservices.com or contact your local Optimae office.