Ottumwa Regional Health Center Expands Mental Health Services with New Intensive Outpatient Program
October 05, 2026
By Raquel Alderman
OTTUMWA, IA- (October 5, 2026) – Ottumwa Regional Health Center (ORHC) is pleased to announce the launch of its Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), providing structured, evidence-based therapy for adults (18+) facing mental health challenges.
The IOP is designed for individuals experiencing mild to moderate psychiatric distress, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns. As an outpatient service, it enables flexibility in treatment, providing group-based care led by licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and a program coordinator.
“Launching our Intensive Outpatient Program is a critical step toward expanded access to intensive outpatient mental health services in Wapello County,” said CEO Richard Bergmann. “We know that for many patients, inpatient therapy may not be indicated, but structured and consistent treatment is still critical to their recovery and day-to-day resilience. This program is specially designed to meet their needs in a comfortable outpatient environment.”
The program serves individuals stepping down from inpatient care, those who need more support than traditional individual outpatient therapy, and those balancing work, school and other daily routines. Referrals may come from a healthcare provider or community partner, and patients may also self-refer. All patients will undergo an initial assessment to determine eligibility. A virtual treatment option is available, and transportation is provided for those who qualify.
“The goal of an Intensive Outpatient Program is to provide adaptive, individualized support in an outpatient setting, meeting patients where they are and wrapping around their daily lives in meaningful ways,” said Christina Smith, IOP manager. “Some of our goals in outpatient therapy may include improving personal communication skills, helping patients develop more effective coping strategies, building self-esteem and confidence, and addressing the root causes of mental health challenges.”
Better mental health begins with an assessment—a confidential conversation that provides important information to providers and members of the clinical team who will make a plan of care recommendation. When you or a loved one has mental health or addiction concerns, it is important to find appropriate, effective care and begin the journey back to wellness.
ORHC’s IOP is located at 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue. For more information, call 641.683.6860 or visit https://www.ottumwaregionalhealth.com/behavioral-health/intensive-outpatient-program.
The program offers caring, compassionate treatment for adults ages 18 and older.
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About Ottumwa Regional Health Center (ORHC)
Ottumwa Regional Health Center is a 217-bed hospital that has served Ottumwa, Wapello County, and surrounding southeast Iowa communities for more than 130 years. The hospital provides a broad range of services, including emergency care, medical and surgical care, critical care, acute rehabilitation, obstetrics, pediatrics, and specialty services. These include cardiac catheterization, diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, wound care, pain management, sleep studies, pathology, and more. Ottumwa Regional Health Center is committed to its mission of Making Communities Healthier® and providing compassionate, high-quality care close to home. For more information, visit www.OttumwaRegionalHealth.com.