Iowa family shares father’s story to highlight mental health care challenges
Sean Robinson died by suicide on June 24, 2026. His family hopes his story highlights the challenges of seeking mental health crisis care in Iowa.
MONROE, Iowa —
An Iowa family is sharing their father’s story to raise awareness about mental health and advocate for changes in crisis care standards.
Sean Robinson died by suicide on June 24, 2026.
“My dad was truly the best father I could ever ask for. I mean, he never missed a game,” said Sean’s 19-year-old son, Rylan Robinson.
Rylan described his father as “the kindest, most selfless person I have ever met.” The two shared a close bond, connecting over music and humor. However, Rylan said he was aware of his father’s struggles with anxiety and depression.
“He always found a way back, and unfortunately he wasn’t able to this time,” Rylan said.
Sean’s family said he had sought help in the weeks leading up to his death.
“I think he was really to the point where he felt like he needed to be somewhere inpatient,” said Sean’s sister, Missy Stravers.
Medical records show Sean visited Clive Behavioral Health on June 8, where he was given a crisis safety plan but was not admitted for inpatient services.
The next day, Sean went to Broadlawns Behavioral Health Urgent Care in Des Moines. Medical records show he described his depression, anxiety, poor sleep, missing work, and obsessive thoughts.
However, the provider noted a “low risk of suicide” because Sean denied having thoughts of killing himself. His medical records stated, “There are no immediate safety concerns expressed by patient or observed by practitioner in today’s visit.”
“I got a text about an hour later saying they wouldn’t keep him because he wasn’t an immediate danger to himself,” said Sean’s ex-wife, LeAnn Robinson.
Peggy Huppert, a longtime mental health advocate and retired director of the Iowa chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness, criticized the standard used by hospitals for voluntary inpatient admission.
“I think that’s a wrong standard because very few people can say yes to that question,” Huppert said.
Huppert said she often hears stories similar to Sean’s.
“I am angry that we still don’t have a good system for diagnosing and effectively treating people with serious mental health conditions.”
Sean’s son, Rylan, echoed the sentiment, saying, “It’s just so difficult when these hospitals ask, ‘Are you directly suicidal?’ No, he didn’t take his life that day, but he needed help.”
The Robinson family believes Sean would still be alive if he had received the help he needed.
“I just think it’s a terrible thing how poorly our state handles these situations,” Rylan said.
A 2024 national report by the Treatment Advocacy Center ranked Iowa last in the nation for state psychiatric hospital beds per capita, with roughly two beds per 100,000 residents.
“If any lawmakers or anything are watching—just imagine if it was one of your family members. Imagine if it was your dad,” Rylan said.
Missy Stravers shared the emotional toll of losing her brother.
“I think it’s really difficult as a family member who is left behind because I feel a lot of guilt. But while I feel that guilt, I feel like it’s a little unfair for families to have to feel that way because we aren’t professionals,” Stravers said, crying.
The Robinson family hopes their story will inspire change and prevent other families from experiencing similar grief.
“The worst day is behind me, so now if I want my dad’s story to accomplish anything, it’s just to serve as a reminder of the importance of taking care of your mental health,” Rylan said.
Both Clive Behavioral Health and Broadlawns declined to discuss Sean’s case on camera, citing HIPAA laws. They stated that individuals in crisis receive comprehensive clinical evaluations and treatment plans determined by care teams.
Broadlawns sent KCCI the following statement:
Individuals who present to Broadlawns experiencing a behavioral health crisis are evaluated by qualified medical and behavioral health professionals. Decisions regarding treatment and the appropriate level of care are based on a comprehensive clinical evaluation, evidence-based practices, applicable legal requirements, and the clinical judgment of the care team. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis should seek immediate help by calling 911, going to the nearest emergency department, or accessing available crisis services, including Broadlawns Behavioral Health Urgent Care or another behavioral health urgent care, the Crisis Observation Center, or Mobile Crisis Response. If a family member has significant concern about a loved one, they can access these resources as well and could also consider providing information directly to the individual’s healthcare provider, to law enforcement, or seeking a mental health civil commitment, as appropriate.”
Clive Behavioral Health sent KCCI the following statement:
“Clive Behavioral Health provides a range of behavioral health services for children, adolescents and adults, including crisis evaluations, inpatient treatment and outpatient programs. The facility is available to conduct assessments and help individuals and families identify the most appropriate level of care based on their needs at the time of evaluation.
When someone presents for care, our clinical team conducts an individualized assessment to determine the most appropriate level and setting of care based on the person’s clinical needs and circumstances. Voluntary inpatient admission is determined based on that assessment and applicable clinical criteria. When inpatient hospitalization is not indicated, clinicians may recommend other appropriate treatment options, resources or follow-up care. We are committed to connecting people experiencing a mental health crisis with appropriate care and support.
Due to federal and state patient privacy laws, including HIPAA, we cannot confirm or discuss whether a particular individual received care at our facility or provide information about any individual’s evaluation, treatment or disposition.
For anyone experiencing a mental health emergency, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988, calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency department. Clive Behavioral Health accepts walk-ins anytime and offers scheduled assessment appointments by calling 844-680-0504. For more information, please visit www.CliveBehavioral.com.”
For those experiencing a mental health crisis, hospitals recommend going to the emergency room. Huppert advises calling 988, a free and confidential hotline staffed by trained mental health professionals available 24/7.