Critical Response
Psychiatric Medical Institute for Children
Located on the Children’s Square Campus in Council Bluffs, Iowa
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Helping children heal and families find hope
Located on our Children’s Square Campus in Council Bluffs, CSI’s Psychiatric Medical Institute for Children (PMIC) provides the highest level of residential mental health care available for children—just below hospitalization. As the only PMIC program within a 90-mile radius, we offer families in Southwest Iowa a critical resource when intensive support is needed.
Serving youth ages 8–18, PMIC combines 24/7 care and medically-trained care with a family-centered approach. Our philosophy is simple: “Parents are the pilots in their child’s treatment.” We partner with caregivers every step of the way to define success and create individualized treatment plans that help children stabilize, grow, and return home safely.
Each child receives structured programming and therapeutic support, including:
- Individual and family therapy guided by trained clinicians
- Daily routines that promote stability and life skills
- Education and enrichment activities to support academic progress
- Group therapy and psychoeducation for emotional growth
- Medication management/psychiatric services to ensure safety, stability and overall wellbeing
Our campus features three welcoming cottages with comfortable living spaces and bedrooms, creating a safe, home-like environment for healing. Accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and regulated by the State of Iowa, CSI’s PMIC ensures the highest standards of care and outcomes for every child.
“We meet each child where they are at.” – CSI Staff
Where We’re Located
CSI’s Psychiatric Medical Institute for Children (PMIC)
Cottages located on the Children’s Square Campus
520 North 7th Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503| Phone: 402.553.6000
Program Details
Ages Served
8-18 years
Capacity
Up to 33 children across three cottages (11 children per cottage)
Length of Stay
Average length of stay is 4-6 months
Payment
Medicaid or secondary insurance; certificate of need required
Activities and Programming
- Schooling/education
- Life skills training
- Therapy sessions
- Outdoor/indoor exercise
- Community outings (when appropriate)
Oversight
Accredited by COA; regulated by the State of Iowa
Program Leaders
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PMIC?
PMIC stands for Psychiatric Medical Institute for Children—a residential program providing intensive mental health care for children who need more support than outpatient services but do not require hospitalization.
Who can refer a child to PMIC?
Parents or legal guardians initiate the referral process. Community partners and providers can guide families to PMIC as a resource.
What is required for admission?
A certificate of need, a mental health diagnosis and insurance pre-authorization are required. Our team helps families navigate the paperwork and approval process.
How long do children stay at PMIC?
The average stay is 4–6 months, depending on treatment goals and progress.
What does daily life look like at PMIC?
Children follow a structured schedule that includes school, therapy, life skills, recreation and enrichment activities. Family therapy and psychoeducation for parents and caregivers are integral parts of the program.
How involved are parents in treatment?
Parents are active partners in care. They participate in therapy sessions, psychoeducation and discharge planning to ensure a successful transition home.
What happens after discharge?
An individualized aftercare plan is developed before discharge, including medication management plans, continued outpatient therapy and other family support.
