At Magnolia Connection, we understand that psychiatric treatment can be a necessary and effective intervention to support brain health. Our team of board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners offers medication management for individuals across the lifespan to treat a variety of concerns, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, OCD and trauma-related symptoms. We take a thoughtful, conservative approach to prescribing, ensuring that medication is used only when clinically appropriate. Services are available in person at our Norwalk and Ames offices and statewide through telehealth.

Magnolia Connection is also providing Spravato treatment for individuals who are experiencing treatment-resistant depression.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Spravato.

If you are interested in scheduling an initial evaluation to initiate therapy services with one of our providers, please click the START HERE link to complete the intake packet. Upon receipt of the completed packet, we will contact you to schedule an appointment. Please allow up to 3 business days for us to contact you for scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medication management is the process of meeting with a mental health professional who is trained on medication effectiveness and how it relates to each specific patient and diagnosis. Part of this process includes an initial consultation, changes/adjustments in prescriptions (if needed), and continuous monitoring.

Yes! The provider will collaborate with the client and family to determine an appropriate treatment plan that addresses symptoms. If the provider, client and/or family agree that a medication may be beneficial, you will be provided with important information regarding possible benefits or side effects, as well as a follow-up plan. The provider will only offer a prescription if the family agrees.

We offer medication management services for children, adolescents, and young adults, ages 4 to 30. Additionally, we provide Spravato treatments for adults 18 and older.

AETNA, Blue Cross Blue Shield/Wellmark, HealthPartners, Iowa Total Care, Midland’s Choice/Cigna, Molina Healthcare, Optum (United Healthcare/UMR), Wellpoint (formerly Amerigroup), and Cash Pay.

Our nurse practitioners are licensed to practice in Iowa and can only provide services to clients who are physically located within the state of Iowa at the time of their appointment.

This varies depending on a variety of factors, including the age of the client, presenting concerns and medication(s) prescribed. It is most common when starting a new medication to have a brief follow-up after 2 weeks. Once the right dosage of medication has been identified and minimal changes are being made, a common follow-up schedule is every 3 months.

 Yes, your child must attend every appointment. It is equally important that a parent be present to provide necessary information and ensure that both the child and parents have an appropriate understanding of the treatment plan and any follow-up instructions given.

Yes! Many of our clients find the convenience of telehealth sessions ideal for their busy schedules. Telehealth also makes it easier for children to participate in their appointments. *Please be aware that you are required to be physically present in Iowa for all appointments.

At times, lab tests might be suggested to get a full picture of a patient’s health and to identify any hidden medical conditions that could be affecting their mental well-being. Pharmacogenetic testing, such as Genesight, which predicts medication response based on genetics, may also be utilized. However, it is important to note that the FDA does not universally recommend this type of testing for guiding prescribing decisions due to insufficient scientific evidence. Our provider may suggest pharmacogenetic testing after a client has unsuccessfully tried several evidence-based treatment options.

Spravato is a nasal spray medication used along with a regular antidepressant to help adults who haven’t had success with other treatments and are struggling with serious depression and thoughts of self-harm. It’s given in our office, where you’re monitored and supported throughout the process. One of our providers will meet with you for an intake appointment to learn more about your history and see if Spravato might be a good fit.

Our Medication Management Team

Emily Black, PMHNP
Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Esther Huston, PMHNP
Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Nawal Ardoin, RN
Registered Nurse