Supporting Minds, Strengthening Connections
At Life Connections, we believe that healing begins when you feel seen, heard, and connected. Our mission—to connect rural Iowa communities with urban-level resources to ensure Iowans excel mentally, emotionally, and behaviorally—guides everything we do. As a therapist who works alongside families, children, and adults, I want to share how our services are designed to meet real needs in our communities, and how current research underscores why this work matters now more than ever.
Why now? The landscape of mental health is shifting
According to recent CDC data, more than 13 % of people aged 12 and older report symptoms of depression over a given two-week period in the U.S. Meanwhile, a new national analysis found the young adult suicide rate (ages 18–27) has increased almost 20 % between 2014 and 2024.
What does this mean in practice?
-
Many of our clients are presenting with more complex needs: overlapping anxiety and depression, trauma histories, and often youths whose school performance, peer relationships, and family dynamics are affected.
-
Geographic and resource barriers—in rural Iowa especially—can limit access to specialized therapy, which is why Life Connections’ model is so important.
-
Community-based, relationship-focused care is no longer optional—it’s essential.
As a therapist, when I say you are not alone, I mean it deeply. The statistics tell one story—but our work tells another: healing happens through connection.
How Life Connections serves this growing need
1. Mental Health Therapy for Adults, Children & Families
Our Mental Health Therapy program offers evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Whether you’re an adult navigating life transitions, a teen wrestling with anxiety, or a family working toward better communication—we’re here.
2. Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS) for Youth
When a child between the ages of 4 and 18 faces emotional or behavioral challenges, our Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS) program offers in-home, skill-based support for the entire family. We help build conflict resolution, communication, anger management, and relationship skills—right where families live and learn together.
3. School-Based Therapy & Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Through partnerships with local school districts, we provide school-based therapy to help students overcome non-academic barriers that interfere with learning. For children with an autism diagnosis, our ABA clinics deliver individualized treatment plans across multiple Iowa locations.
4. Rural Access & Telehealth Options
We are deeply committed to serving rural Iowa. Our combination of in-person locations and telehealth therapy options ensures care remains accessible—even when distance or transportation might stand in the way.
5. Getting Started
If you or a loved one are ready to take a first step toward healing, you can get started online or call one of our offices. Our intake team will guide you through scheduling and insurance questions, so you can focus on what really matters—your wellbeing.
Why connection matters
Healing isn’t about checkboxes—it’s about relationships. At Life Connections, we emphasize:
-
Individualized care: Every therapy plan is built around your story, strengths, and goals—not a template.
-
Holistic awareness: We consider your family system, school or work life, and environment.
-
Trust and safety: You deserve a space where you feel seen and understood.
-
Accessibility: We work to remove financial and geographic barriers.
-
Strength-based perspective: We believe in your capacity for growth, not just your diagnosis.
A few thoughts for you
If you’re reading this and feeling uncertain, please remember:
-
It’s okay to reach out. You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis to ask for help.
-
You are not your diagnosis. Therapy helps you live with your challenges—not be defined by them.
-
You don’t have to do it alone. Support comes in many forms: a therapist, a trusted partner, a friend, or a counselor.
-
Progress isn’t always linear—healing takes time and patience.
-
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or call 911.
Conclusion
The mental health landscape is changing rapidly. As more individuals and families face emotional challenges, the need for accessible, compassionate care grows stronger. At Life Connections, we are answering that call—through therapy, community partnerships, and a commitment to connect every Iowan with the resources they deserve.
If you’re ready to begin your journey, visit our website and explore how we can help. Because life is about more than surviving—it’s about connecting, growing, and thriving.
Part of the Pathway Healthcare Network
Life Connections is proud to be part of the Pathway Healthcare network — a system of care providers dedicated to behavioral health and substance use treatment. Learn more about the Pathway Extended Network here.
Explore Our Extended Network:
Because Life is All About Connections
Life Connections provides mental health services in our 13 office locations and approved schools across Iowa. Life Connections was founded in March of 2009 with the intent to serve the children and families of Cedar Rapids and surrounding cities.
Life Connections is a highly professional and caring counseling and behavioral health provider. We offer a wide array of services to treat mental health issues.
For more information and support, please Contact Us
Start Your Services
Start Mental & Behavioral Health Services with Life Connections | Because life is all about connections.