Behavioral Health

At Spencer Hospital’s 15-bed Behavioral Health Center, we believe each person is a unique individual worthy of respect and dignity. Our mission is to provide a safe environment, medication treatment, and support services while assisting the patient in recovery.

When you or a loved one needs inpatient treatment Spencer Hospital’s Behavioral Health Services has an adult inpatient unit designed for adults 18 years and older with an acute psychiatric diagnosis.  The adult inpatient unit provides 24/7 supportive and experienced nursing care in a comfortable, safe and secure environment so you or your loved one can focus on healing.

We provide care for a full range of psychiatric disorders, including:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorders
  • Major depressive disorders
  • Mood disorders
  • Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
  • Substance use disorders (with a primary mental illness)

Our Multidisciplinary Behavioral Health Team

  • A psychiatrist and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners focused on providing treatment specific to your mental illness

  • Registered Nurses who specialized in understanding mental illness and the patients’ needs and treatment plan

  • Triage Nurses who provide crisis assessment in the Emergency Department for patients experiencing acute mental health symptoms.

  • Behavioral Health Techs who lead the activities and educational groups on the unit daily  

  • Social worker who assists with treatment planning, assist patients and families access community resources, and also leads group therapy with patients

  • Substance Use Counselor provides assessment and referral options for patients in need of this level of care in addition to their mental illness

  • Occupational Therapists are specially trained to assist with coping skills for stressors in daily living

  • Dietitians who assist with nutritional needs and provide an educational group on healthy eating 

Visiting Hours

Staying connected with family and friends is an important part of recovery; therefore, we encourage visitors and telephone calls throughout your stay.  Visitors are limited to 2-3 guests at a time.  The psychiatrist will determine when visitors may need to be limited or if minor visitors are appropriate.

Visitation and Telephone Hours:
Monday - Friday | 5 - 8:30 PM
Weekends & Holidays | 10 AM - 8:30 PM
*except during group, report, and team

To contact Behavioral Health Services, please call (712) 264-8300 extension 6228.


Outpatient Services at Avera Medical Group - Spencer Behavioral Health Clinic

Provides professional services from our psychiatrist and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners for your personal needs in a wide range of common behavioral health conditions for adults and children including:

  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar disorders
  • Depression
  • Interpersonal problems
  • Mood disorders
  • Psychosis
  • Schizophrenia

In addition to:

  • Medication Management
  • Post Hospital Follow-up Care

Clinic Hours:
Monday - Friday | 8:30 AM - 5 PM
To schedule an appointment at the outpatient clinic, please call (712) 264-3515.


Local Resources

24-hour Crisis Line: (844) 345-4569
Call 911 for Emergencies

Your Life Iowa

Your Life Iowa provides 24/7 free, confidential support for Iowans who don't know who to turn to about concerns with alcohol, drugs, gambling, suicidal thoughts or mental health. The website offers an online chat option and numbers are available to call or text: Your Life Iowa

  • Call: (855) 581-8111 
  • Text: (855) 895-8398

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Phone (800) 273-8255
Text 273TALK to 839863
Text REACH to 741741


Meet Our Provider