Cherokee Mental Health Institute

The Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI) provides active inpatient treatment to adults, adolescents and children who are in need of acute psychiatric service.

Who is eligible to receive services:

Admissions are accepted from any county in CMHI’s catchment area. CMHI serves children, adolescents, and adults who require hospitalization for acute symptoms of mental illness. The goal is to treat individuals in the least restrictive setting possible and return them to their communities as soon as possible.

How to apply for services or refer someone to this facility:

Services are provided regardless of ability to pay. Most individuals are not able to pay for the cost of care and treatment out-of-pocket and will need assistance. To make a voluntary application for admission that will not be paid in full by the individual, contact the Regional Coordinator of Disability Services [1] for more information.

If able to pay for the cost of care and treatment without assistance, individuals may make a voluntary application for admission directly to CMHI.

Involuntary commitments, except for emergency hospitalizations, are made only if CMHI is a designated service provider by the person’s MHDS region.

How to get more information:

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the facility’s admission office:

Cherokee Mental Health Institute

1251 West Cedar Loop

Cherokee, IA 51012

712-225-2594

Structure of the organization:

The facility is operated by the Iowa Department of Human Services, under the directorship of Jerry R. Foxhoven and under the leadership of Richard Shults, Administrator, Division of Mental Health and Disability Services. The facility's superintendent is Cory Turner.

Services provided:

Inpatient psychiatric services for adults and for children and adolescents are provided by a multi-disciplinary treatment team composed of medical providers, nurses, social workers, activities therapists, and resident treatment workers.

Each person has an individualized treatment plan that focuses on one’s assets. Individuals are encouraged to take part, together with staff members, in formulating one’s treatment plan. Services may include the use of medication, group counseling, and activities therapies.

Children and adolescent patients continue to attend school. The school, which is operated by CMHI and is approved by the Department of Education, is on-site and provides general education as well as a special education program.

Other information:

CMHI is accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

CMHI hosts semiannual conferences on mental health issues to provide families, consumers and health care professionals with the latest information regarding mental health and its treatment. Please call 712-225-2594 for more information.

Employment information can be found here [2].

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