Mental health help when it's hard to find care

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Asking for help with your mental health is difficult for many people but it can be especially daunting if your options for care are limited. Many areas of the United States are facing mental health care provider shortages, meaning waitlists are long and availability is limited—especially for those living in rural areas and large cities.

Mental health care access in Iowa and South Dakota

Communities in Iowa and South Dakota are experiencing mental health provider shortages. While some rural providers have appointments booked out months in advance, other rural communities simply don’t have a mental health professional available. In 2024, County Health Rankings found that for every 500 Iowans there is one mental health professional available to provide care. South Dakota has similar figures with a ratio of 440:1.

As the gap between patients and available providers continues to widen, many Iowans and South Dakotans are left feeling unsure about their options when they can’t see a therapist or psychologist.

Get mental health care when you need it

When an appointment with a mental health professional isn’t available or you’re on a provider waitlist, you still have options.

• Talk to your primary care provider. Your primary care provider can advocate for your care and provide you with resources while you’re waiting to see a mental health care professional. They can prescribe medication, refer you to an available specialist or offer advice on how to care for yourself in the meantime.
• Consider virtual mental health care. If you don’t have a provider in your area or if your schedule makes it difficult to attend an appointment at a physical office, consider getting therapy virtually. Virtual visits allow you to get care without leaving work or home, and it’s all done using your smartphone, tablet or computer. Many Wellmark members have coverage for mental health care through Doctor On Demand^®.
• Get support from others. You’re not alone in your mental health struggles and having a community that understands what you’re feeling can help. There are many mental and behavioral health support groups that meet in-person and virtually. If speaking to a group sounds intimidating, it can also be helpful to confide in a close friend or family member.
• Practice self-care. Getting quality sleep, eating a balanced diet and exercising can help improve your mental health. You can also practice self-care by doing activities you find relaxing and enjoy, such as reading, journaling, doing puzzles or practicing mindfulness. While it’s important to relax, avoid using substances like alcohol, caffeine or tobacco as they can worsen mental health symptoms.

How Wellmark is improving access to mental health care

Wellmark continues to evolve mental health solutions for our members so you have the tools and resources you need to get the right care, when and how you need it.

All Wellmark health plans include core mental health benefits, such as:

• The Mental Health Case Management Program connects members to dedicated behavioral health case management nurses and social workers who understand their specific situation. Case managers can offer support, provide mental health resources and help members navigate the health care system. Members can take the assessment on myWellmark to get started with case management or call the number on the back of their card.
• myWellmark has the tools to help members quickly find local providers by specialty and get an estimate of how much the visit will cost before they even set foot in the clinic.
• BeWell24/7^® gets Wellmark members real help and answers to their questions from medical professionals, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Simply call 844-842-3935 to get started.

Get the help you need through Doctor On Demand

If you have access to a phone, tablet or computer, Doctor On Demand might be an option for you. Virtual visits make it easy to see a mental health provider without leaving your home. Doctor On Demand behavioral health coaching offers support for a variety of mental and behavioral health conditions. Skip the waitlist and schedule a virtual visit through Doctor On Demand today.