Independent Management Services

Independent Management Services Bio Founded in 1995 by Stephen and Renee Thorson, Independent Management Services of Minnesota, Inc.

was created with a heartfelt vision: to empower individuals to reach their fullest potential and live as independently as possible. What began as a commitment to helping others grow has evolved into a trusted organization built on compassion, respect, and a belief in the dignity of every person. Through personalized support, dedicated staff, and access to essential resources, we help people overcome barriers—whether medical, behavioral, or financial—so they can lead meaningful lives and become active, valued members of their communities. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to create opportunities that inspire independence, confidence, and connection every step of the way. Equal Opportunity Employer: Independent Management Services of Minnesota, Inc. is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We firmly believe that every individual deserves an equal opportunity to thrive and contribute to our organization. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, s*x, age, disability, s*xual orientation, gender identity, military status, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Tip Tuesday 💡When life feels rushed, slowing down starts with noticing. Sensory awareness helps bring your attention bac...
02/24/2026

Tip Tuesday 💡
When life feels rushed, slowing down starts with noticing. Sensory awareness helps bring your attention back to your body and the present moment—one small pause at a time. You’re allowed to slow down.

👋 Come see us at Community Connect!Looking for local resources, support, or just want to learn what’s available in our c...
02/20/2026

👋 Come see us at Community Connect!

Looking for local resources, support, or just want to learn what’s available in our community? Community Connect brings organizations, services, and helpful programs together in ONE convenient place — making it easier for individuals and families to get connected.

✨ What you’ll find:
✔️ Local programs & services all in one place
✔️ Food baskets + hygiene bags (while supplies last)
✔️ FREE SMART Transit rides
✔️ Real people ready to help you navigate real life

You don’t have to be in crisis to stop by. Come say hi, learn what’s out there, and share this with someone who might need it.

👉 Details: https://www.uwmower.org/communityconnect.html

Tip Tuesday 💡Feeling scattered or overwhelmed happens—especially when stress is high. Try focusing on one thing in the m...
02/17/2026

Tip Tuesday 💡

Feeling scattered or overwhelmed happens—especially when stress is high. Try focusing on one thing in the moment. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back without judgment. Progress > perfection.

❤️ Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be big or fancy — sometimes it’s just the small things that make us smile.What’s some...
02/13/2026

❤️ Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be big or fancy — sometimes it’s just the small things that make us smile.

What’s something simple that makes you feel warm and fuzzy? A favorite snack? Your pets? A cozy blanket? A song you love? That first cup of coffee in the morning?

Drop yours in the comments!

🏒 IMS Fundraiser Night — Let’s Pack the Rink! 🏒Join us Saturday, February 21st at 7:05 PM for an exciting hockey matchup...
02/11/2026

🏒 IMS Fundraiser Night — Let’s Pack the Rink! 🏒

Join us Saturday, February 21st at 7:05 PM for an exciting hockey matchup and support IMS at the same time!

🎟 Tickets are just $10
💙 $5 from every ticket sold goes directly back to IMS

Bring your friends, family, and coworkers for a fun night out while giving back to our community. Every ticket makes a difference—and it’s a great excuse to enjoy some hockey!

👉 Scan the QR code on the flyer or purchase tickets using promo code “IMS”

Let’s show up strong and support a great cause! 🙌

Tip Tuesday 💡When emotions are intense and you’re not ready to process them yet, engaging your thinking brain can help. ...
02/10/2026

Tip Tuesday 💡

When emotions are intense and you’re not ready to process them yet, engaging your thinking brain can help. Activities that require focus can interrupt distress and give emotions time to settle. It’s okay to cope first.

Tip Tuesday 💡When emotions feel too intense to manage, it can help to gently shift your focus. Creating different emotio...
02/03/2026

Tip Tuesday 💡
When emotions feel too intense to manage, it can help to gently shift your focus. Creating different emotions—like laughter or excitement—can give your nervous system a break and make hard moments more tolerable.

Our team is attending the 14th Annual Co-Occurring Disorders Symposium — Breaking Barriers, Building Futures — January 2...
01/29/2026

Our team is attending the 14th Annual Co-Occurring Disorders Symposium — Breaking Barriers, Building Futures — January 28–30 in Owatonna, MN! 💼

We’re soaking up the latest in co-occurring mental health & substance use treatment, evidence-based care, and behavioral health best practices to strengthen our services and support our community with high-quality, compassionate care.

Tip Tuesday 💡When distress feels overwhelming, shifting your focus outward can help. Doing something kind for someone el...
01/27/2026

Tip Tuesday 💡
When distress feels overwhelming, shifting your focus outward can help. Doing something kind for someone else can give your mind a break, reduce distress, and build a sense of purpose. Small acts still matter.

01/27/2026

🚨The United Way Backpack Program is urgently seeking drivers to transport totes filled with food bags to Austin Public Schools.

✅️ Can you spare 20 min on a Monday afternoon
✅️ Possess a valid driver's license
✅️ Want to make a difference for students in Austin

👇 Click the link below to sign up now!

https://uwmower.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1133370

Have questions contact Backpack Program Coordinator Velerie at
507-481-3585

This past Saturday, some of our therapists put their problem-solving skills to the test at the Friends of the Library pu...
01/27/2026

This past Saturday, some of our therapists put their problem-solving skills to the test at the Friends of the Library puzzle competition! It was a fun way to support our local library and spend time together outside the office. Thanks to Friends of the Library for hosting such a great event!

Tip Tuesday 💡Big emotions don’t always need to be solved right away. Distraction is a distress tolerance skill that help...
01/20/2026

Tip Tuesday 💡
Big emotions don’t always need to be solved right away. Distraction is a distress tolerance skill that helps lower urges to act impulsively by shifting your focus until emotions settle. Sometimes space is the skill.

Address

101 21st Street SE Ste 1
Austin, MN
55912

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 12pm

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Our Story

Here at IMS we are committed to helping families that are struggling to help themselves as a result of severe mental health or developmental disabilities. We are dedicated to providing quality services to tour clients and our communities in a straight-forward and honest way. We serve a large portion of South Central Minnesota.

We provide numerous services in order to accomplish this goal, including Conservatorship, Guardianship, Case Management, Therapy, Outpatient Psychological & Behavioral Health Services including assessment, psychological testing, and therapy, Chemical Health Assessment services, Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS), and Children's Therapeutic Support Services (CTSS). We are located SW of the Austin Municipal Airport next to Charter Communications and CAS Auto.