Transitional Living Center – Subacute Care

The Transitional Living Center (TLC) – Subacute Care provides care in a home-like setting for individuals with symptoms that keep them from being able to live independently. Along with other individualized treatment objectives, clients receive training in basic life skills, such as self-care, coping, decision making, self-esteem and self-awareness.

The TLC – Subacute Care is located in the Ames. The eight-bed facility is staffed 24 hours a day. The expected length of stay is 10 days.

The TLC – Subacute Care is not an intake center. A provider’s referral is necessary. Someone in a mental health crisis should first go to their provider or to the nearest Emergency Department. Referrals are coordinated by contacting Mary Greeley’s Behavioral Health inpatient unit at 515-239-2682. While other agencies can refer a client to the TLC, a medical screening will be required before they can be admitted.

The state’s mental health regions can provide payment for either level of care. The TLC – Subacute Care is licensed through the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.  The program is currently working to contract for Medicaid coverage for subacute care. Payment for subacute care by private insurance is not widely established at this time. Private insurance does not pay for this level of care. At this time, only the mental health regions fund this level of care.