Off-Campus Services
Recommendations for Use
Please note that the off-campus evaluation and treatment resources and the other community resources which follow function independently from the Luther College Counseling Service and are not in any way under our control or supervision.
We cannot guarantee that any of these services will be appropriate or helpful for you. We offer them here simply to provide you with alternatives and options for assistance that you can explore further. After gathering more information, you will need to make your own decision about the appropriateness of any of these off campus resources for your own particular situation.
Evaluation and Treatment Resources—Decorah Area
The following professionals and agencies in Decorah provide evaluation and treatment related to mental health and substance abuse issues.
- Winneshiek Medical Center - Decorah Clinic
907 Montgomery St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-9671
Ronald K. Hougen, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist
Psychological assessment and individual, family, and couples counseling for a variety of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and interpersonal problems - Domestic & Sexual Abuse Resource Center
Decorah, IA 52101
382-2989
1-800-383-2988 (24-hour crisis line)
Counseling and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence; support groups available periodically. No charge for services. - The Gambling Treatment Program
799 Main St.
Nesler Center
Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 583-1216
Note: Appointments with The Gambling Treatment Program may also be scheduled in Decorah by calling 1-888-771-6771 (toll-free).
This program is a division of the Substance Abuse Services Center, a not-for-profit agency licensed by The Iowa Department of Public Health-Division of Substance Abuse. The Gambling Treatment Program offers the following services: a free initial consultation about a possible gambling problem; further assessment; counseling for individuals, couples and families; and other services for family and friends of problem gamblers. Beyond the initial free consultation, fees for Iowa residents are based on a sliding fee scale according to income, family size and ability to pay. Health insurance may cover some costs. - Lighthouse Professional Counseling Services
Hawkeye Plaza
1111 Paine St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-1900
Kirsten Ludwig, LMHC, and Christine Atkinson, LMSW and Advanced Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Substance abuse evaluations; counseling for children and adults - Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health
905 Montgomery St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3649
1-800-400-8923 (24-hour crisis line)
General mental health and substance abuse counseling; Dr. Neelu Gill, M.D., psychiatrist, on staff - Gundersen Lutheran - Decorah Clinic
1830 State Hwy. 9
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-3140
1-800-865-3140
Dr. Jason Maret, M.D., psychiatrist, on staff - Therapy Associates
314 W. Main
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-2662
Marilyn Southard and Karla Presler, licensed clinical social workers; individual, family, and couples therapy on a wide variety of issues - Helping Services of Northeast Iowa
P.O. Box 372
805 East Main St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 387-1720
The mission of Helping Services of Northeast Iowa is to support and promote the health of children and adults living in Northeast Iowa. Focus is in the area of substance abuse, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. They reach out to individuals, families, and communities through prevention, intervention, support, and advocacy. - Decorah Community Free Clinic and Prescription Assistance Program
First Lutheran Church
604 W. Broadway
Decorah, IA 52101
(563) 382-2638
The Decorah Community Free Clinic provides health care for uninsured and underserved patients from seven counties around Decorah. The Decorah Community Free Clinic services patients every Thursday evening. - Decorah Counseling Center
Carol Hemesath
709 Franklin St.
Decorah, IA 52101
(563)387-0428 - Great Rivers 24-7 crisis line in LaCrosse
Toll-Free (WI, MN, IA) 1-800-362-8255
A crisis and information line that is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A service of United Way and Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, Inc.
Costs/Checking Insurance Coverage
Many health insurance policies provide coverage for mental health or substance abuse services. If you have private health insurance coverage (typically through your or a family member's employer), check with your insurance company to see if mental health services are covered and, if so, how you may obtain these benefits. This also applies to persons enrolled in HMO's, other types of managed care plans, and plans for government employees, military personnel, and their dependents. You should call the insurance company before you make an appointment with a specific mental health or substance abuse professional or agency. Ask the insurance company the following questions:
- Are there benefits in your plan for mental health (or substance abuse) services? Do these include both inpatient and outpatient benefits?
- What are the outpatient benefits? Are there limits on number of visits or dollar amount within a single year or in your lifetime (Yearly and lifetime maximums)? What is the deductible which you must satisfy before the benefits begin? Are there any kinds of problems/issues which are excluded from coverage?
- What types of providers of mental health or substance abuse treatment are eligible for reimbursement under your policy? Are clinical social workers covered? Psychologists? Master's level counselors? Must the provider be licensed? Does the provider have to be under the supervision of a psychiatrist or Ph.D. psychologist? Are there any other parameters that determine whether a provider is eligible for reimbursement?
- Must you see a provider who is part of a preferred provider network designated by your insurance company? Will your insurance cover a provider outside this group (and outside your home area, if you are attending college away from home)? What is the process for getting approval to see someone outside the preferred provider network? Are the benefits the same if you see someone outside the preferred provider network?
- Will the insurance company pay the provider directly or pay you?
The provider whom you would like to see may also be able to help you check on your insurance coverage. The provider will want to gather relevant insurance information from you at the time you make an appointment or at your first visit. You should be sure you have your health insurance card containing specific information about your coverage.
If you are not covered by insurance, you may decide to pay for treatment out-of-pocket. Some agencies operate on a sliding-scale fee policy where the amount you pay depends on your income. Ask the agency or professional where you would like to receive services what their hourly fees are and whether they have a sliding fee scale.
Selecting a Therapist
Selecting a therapist is a highly personal matter. A professional who works very well with one individual may not be a good choice for another person. There are several ways to get referrals to qualified therapists, including the following:
- Talk to family members and friends for their recommendations, especially if they have had a good experience with therapy.
- If you are attending school, ask faculty or staff for recommendations.
- Ask your primary care physician (or other health professional) for a referral.
- Inquire at your church or synagogue.
- Look in the phone book for the listing of a local mental health association, community mental health center, or human services information/referral program (like First Call for Help) and check these sources for possible referrals.
Ideally, you will end up with more than one lead. Call and request the opportunity, either by phone or in person, to ask the therapist some questions. You might want to ask about the therapist's professional training and licensure, years of experience, and areas of expertise. You might briefly describe the concerns or issues for which you are seeking therapy and ask about the therapist's experience helping people with these types of problems. You will want to ask about fees, insurance and billing practices.
Therapists and clients work together. The right match is important. A key factor in determining whether or not to work with a particular therapist, once that person's credentials and competence are established, is your level of personal comfort with that therapist. A good rapport is critical. Choose a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and at ease.
Other Community Resources
- A self-help support group (led by members; no counselor or therapist leader) for those who have grown up in dysfunctional families meets weekly at 6:30 p.m. weekly at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 701 Iowa St., Decorah. You may call the church office at (563) 382-3963 to verify the meeting time.
- For information about AA and NA meetings in the Decorah area, call the Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health Center, (563) 382-3649.
- Confidential HIV testing is available at no charge at Winneshiek Medical Center, 901 Montgomery St. Decorah. The test is done by mucosal swabbing. To schedule an appointment call (563) 382-2911 and ask for Donis Whalen or Becky Langreck in the Social Services department.