Regional mental health care provider Covenant Family Solutions opened its first Central Iowa clinic on Dec. 15. The organization provides mental and behavioral health care services, including therapy and medication management, for individuals, couples and families. The new clinic, located at 515 Grand Ave. in Ames, hopes to address the lack of mental health care in Central Iowa, where there is fewer than one mental health provider available for every 1,000 people, according to a news release. “The need for mental health providers is nothing like ever before in our lifetime,” CEO Dr. Jacob Christenson said in a prepared statement. “We look forward to supporting the mental health needs of Ames community members for years to come.” Covenant Family Solutions operates eight other clinics throughout Iowa and South Dakota. The Ames clinic will employ mental health therapists and nurse practitioners who can prescribe and manage psychiatric medications. The new clinic has immediate availability for new clients and accepts most private insurance and Medicaid. Learn more here.