Broadlawns at Polk County Life Services Center 

The Polk County Life Services Center offers a safe, supportive space for individuals seeking treatment and immediate care. This collaborative effort — between Polk County, the City of Des Moines, Broadlawns Medical Center, and St. Vincent de Paul — brings vital services together under one roof. 

Available services include:

  • Behavioral Health 
  • Crisis Observation Center
  • Medication Assisted Treatment 

St. Vincent de Paul also operates an on-site sobering center, providing immediate support for individuals experiencing alcohol-related crisis. 

Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUC)

BHUC offers walk-in appointments for individuals aged 18 and older experiencing a mental health crisis. The facility is staffed with psychiatric technicians to provide immediate care and support.

To learn more about Broadlawns Behavioral Health Urgent Care, click here. 

Crisis Observation Center (COC)

The COC offers a safe supportive space to help you manage a mental health or substance use crisis without needing hospitalization. Open 24/7, year-round, it's available to anyone aged 18 and older. Nurses and therapists are on-site to provide care, and individuals can stay up-to 23 hours, depending on their needs. The goal is to stabilize the situation and help avoid unnecessary emergency room, visits, or hospital stays. 

To learn more about Broadlawns Crisis Services, click here. 

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT helps individuals who are struggling with addiction through the use of medication management that's aimed at reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while improving the chance of lasting recovery. It's a whole-patient approach that is tailored to each individual's needs and guided by clinical care. 

MAT has proven especially effective in treating alcohol and opioid dependence. When used as part of a comprehensive treatment program it can: 

  • Improve survival rates
  • Help people stay in treatment longer
  • Reduce the risk of hepatitis and HIV
  • Lower rates of criminal activity
  • Support employment
  • Improve outcomes for pregnant individuals with use disorders 

If you think MAT might be right for you, talk with your counselor and/or physician to learn more about your options. 

Broadlawns offers MAT services at two locations: 

Location: 1914 Carpenter Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50314
Phone: (515) 282-5695

MAT and Addiction Medicine at Broadlawns, Main Campus 
Location: 1761 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50314
Phone: (515) 282-5695