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About
YSS - Iowa Homeless Youth Center (IHYC) functions as a resource hub for young people facing homelessness, as well as mental health and substance use challenges. With a legacy spanning over 45 years, YSS has been dedicated to offering educational support, counseling, and housing assistance to youth and families in distress. The primary aim of the Youth Homeless Center is to eradicate youth homelessness in Iowa by equipping individuals with the necessary tools to achieve self-sufficiency and escape the cycle of poverty.
At IHYC, specialized mental health counseling is available to ensure that adolescents receive critical care, fostering their journey toward stability and independence. Case managers are on hand to guide clients through their educational pursuits, offering support through tutoring, financial resources, and other essential services. YSS’s Ember Recovery program delivers addiction treatment based on proven methods and personalized care plans, focusing on teaching young individuals effective strategies to prevent relapse. The center emphasizes gender-responsive care, encourages family involvement, and creates a welcoming atmosphere that helps clients feel secure and supported throughout their recovery process.
IHYC provides an array of services tailored to assist adolescents dealing with homelessness, regardless of their stage in recovery or willingness to seek assistance. The organization is equipped with nine emergency beds and offers off-site apartments for young adults, guaranteeing safe and nurturing living arrangements. Additional drop-in services include access to showers, laundry, hygiene products, complimentary meals, job support, and a variety of other resources.
Treatment Focus
The Rehabilitation Center specializes in addressing issues related to substance abuse and mental health challenges. Patients benefit from personalized treatment plans that are tailored to their specific circumstances and diagnoses. They will acquire essential skills for their recovery journey and foster new relationships in a supportive setting.
Typical Program Length
30 days
Providers Policy
At YSS Iowa Homeless Youth Center (IHYC), we understand that access to quality care is crucial for the adolescents we serve. Our facility is committed to providing comprehensive support and services to young individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use challenges, regardless of their financial situation.
We accept various insurance plans to help cover the costs of our programs, including specialized mental health counseling and the Ember Recovery addiction treatment program. For those who are uninsured or underinsured, we offer a sliding fee scale based on income, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to essential services.
In addition to our insurance and fee options, IHYC provides assistance with navigating available resources, including educational support and job assistance. We are dedicated to each young person’s journey and work collaboratively with families and case managers to create a personalized approach to care.
For more specific information regarding accepted insurance providers and payment options, we encourage you to contact our administrative team. We are here to support you and ensure that every young person receives the care and resources they need to achieve stability and independence.
Services & Amenities
Insurance Accepted
AetnaAnthemBlueCross BlueShieldBright HealthCareFirstCarelon Behavioral HealthCignaComPsychGuideWellHealthNetHealthPartnersHighmarkHumanaITU FundsIntermountain HealthcareKaiser PermanenteMHNMedicaidMedicareOptumOscarTricareTufts HealthUnited Healthcare
Care Options
Residential Rehab
Specializations
AdolescentsLicensed Primary Mental Health
Who We Treat
AdolescentsBoysGirlsLGBTQ+MenWomenYoung Adults
Treatment Approaches
Evidence-BasedFamily InvolvementGender-SpecificPersonalized TreatmentTrauma Informed
Therapies
1-on-1 CounselingArt TherapyCognitive Behavioral TherapyEye Movement Therapy (EMDR)Family TherapyGroup TherapyLife SkillsRelapse Prevention CounselingTrauma-Specific Therapy
Languages Spoken
English
Aftercare Services
Continuing CareDischarge PlanningHousing ServicesOutpatient Treatment
Substances We Treat
AlcoholCo-Occurring DisordersDrug Addiction
Conditions We Treat
AnxietyDepressionPost Traumatic Stress DisorderTrauma
Amenities
Air-Conditioned RoomsBusiness Center, ComputersInternet AccessLaundry ServiceSalon
Location
Location
612 Locust St, Des Moines, IA, 50309











