Hillcrest opens new Mental Health Center in Monticello


On July 31, Hillcrest Family Services will open a Mental Health Center in Monticello. They will be located on the first floor of the former John McDonald Hospital, offering therapy and medication management services. (Photo by Kim Brooks)
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     There is a new business utilizing office space within the John McDonald Health and Education Center.

     Hillcrest Family Services, based out of Dubuque, will now be providing mental health services in Jones County. Their Community Mental Health Center will open July 31.

     Erica Borgerding, senior vice president of Health Services with Hillcrest, said the organization was approached by the Mental Health/Disability Services (MHDS) of the East Central Region (ECR), of which Jones and Dubuque counties are members of. (Other regional members include: Benton, Bremer, Buchanan, Delaware, Iowa, Johnson and Linn counties.)

     “This area of the region lacks a community mental health center,” explained Borgerding. “Clients have to travel a great distance to seek the help they need, and some are not getting that help in a timely manner.”

     Borgerding said the MHDS region as a whole struggles with providing access to the core standards, as set out by the state.

     Hillcrest will provide outpatient therapy and psychiatric medication management services, Borgerding said, needs that were specific to the area.

     “We’ll continue to explore other needs with the potential to expand,” she said.

     While Hillcrest looked at other communities, Borgerding said Monticello was a perfect fit with equal distance between Dubuque and Cedar Rapids, two major cities within the region.

     “Monticello is closer to Dubuque than Anamosa,” shared Borgerding, with staff needing to access Hillcrest’s main office in Dubuque. “And there was space available.”

     Borgerding said they looked at another location within Monticello, but felt John McDonald served all of their needs.

     To begin with, Hillcrest will have four people on staff in Monticello: an office manager, a licensed independent social worker, a prescriber, and a nurse. Borgerding said the prescriber and nurse will not be seen daily in the office.

     “We’ll hire additional staff if needed,” she said.

     Hillcrest, a non-profit organization, was founded over 100 years ago, in 1896 in Dubuque. They are present in many counties throughout the state, including Jackson, Washington, Henry, and Louisa. Their staff provides assistance through more than 30 different programs ranging from mental health, homelessness prevention, youth mentoring, and adoption. They also operate community-based residential, educational, health, and wellness programs.

     “We see individuals of all ages,” said Borgerding. She said they’re either referred to Hillcrest or come on their own seeking services.

     “We work closely with community stakeholders to help spread the word about our services,” added Borgerding. She said some people in Jones County might not be aware of the wealth of mental health services Hillcrest offers.

     “We want to provide people with the care they need to help then deal with and cope with mental health,” offered Borgerding.

     Hillcrest is located at 818 W. First St., Suite 100 on the first floor of John McDonald. Their hours will be Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

     For more information or to make an appointment, call 319-844-1119, or visit https://hillcrest-fs.org/.

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