Hope Harbor

About Us

Hope Harbor is an outpatient behavioral health unit at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, Iowa. Hope Harbor specializes in the medical management of psychiatric disorders for the older population.

Through telehealth services, Hope Harbor is able to provide care to over 70 nursing homes across the state of Iowa. An in-person clinic offers medication management and behavioral health services on Mondays.

Group of five BVRMC Hope Harbor employees standing in the hallway

Our Goal

To improve self-esteem, dignity, abilities and independence. Consistent with our holistic treatment philosophy, we focus on healing the mind, body and spirit.

Program Features

  • No cost to the facility. Services will be billed through the resident’s insurance.
  • Ability to obtain consent. From patient’s family for outpatient psychiatric services.
  • Appointments via Zoom. With regular follow-up at patient’s convenience.
  • Community Referrals for Support.
  • After Care Follow-Up.

Behavior Health Outpatient In-Person Clinic

Now offering in-person medication management and behavioral health services for individuals 55 and older related to:

  • Depression
  • Confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Memory Loss
  • Mental Health Concerns

Offered on Mondays. No referral required.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 712.213.8656.

Who Would Benefit

Those who struggle with:

  • Depression or anxiety.
  • Anger, aggressive behavior or notable changes in mood.
  • Sudden onset of forgetfulness and/or an inability to concentrate.
  • Inability to care for yourself.
  • Seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear.
  • Problems related to changing health status, illness or disability.
  • Personal safety.

Referral Process

Referrals for outpatient services can be made a physician or a nursing home.

Hope Harbor Team

Hope Harbor has two Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, a Program Director, a Social Worker and a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Sharon Arndt-Nelson, PMHNP-BC

Sharon Arndt-Nelson

PMHNP-BC

Education:

  • University of Nebraska Medical Center, Post Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Across the Life Span Emphasis, 2009
  • University of Phoenix, Master’s Degree, 2005
  • Briar Cliff College, BSN, 2000
  • WITCC, Surgical Technologist, ADN, 1985

Certifications/Training:

  • American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2008 - Present
  • Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society Member, 2000 - Present
  • CPR Certified
  • Specially Trained in Behavior Modification Program Development with adults and adolescents.
  • Over 40 years of experience in adult intensive psychiatric care, child/adolescent/ psychiatric care and geriatric nursing.

Amber Shupe

PMHNP-BC

Education:

  • Allen College, Post Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health
  • Nurse Practitioner, Rural and Underserved Populations Emphasis, 2021
  • St. Joseph’s College of Maine, MSN, 2018
  • University of Iowa, BSN, 2012
  • University of Iowa, BA, 2007

Certifications/Training:

  • Certified Mental Health & Nutrition Clinical Specialist, 2024 - Present
  • Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional, 2024 - Present
  • ADHA Certified Clinical Provider, 2023 - Present
  • Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 2022 - Present
  • American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2018 - Present
  • Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society Member, 2016 - Present

Contact Us

Hope Harbor
Buena Vista Regional Medical Center
1525 West 5th Street
P.O. Box 309
Storm Lake, Iowa 50588
712.213.8656
Toll Free 1.888.712.5433, extension 8656

For more information, or to schedule a confidential, free screening; please call 712.213.8656 or email Hope.Harbor@bvrmc.org.