Independent Management Services

Independent Management Services Independent Management Services of Minnesota, Inc. provides services tailored to each client’s needs.

From therapeutic support to skill building, our team empowers individuals through personalized, client-centered care that helps them grow and thrive. 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.

✨ Department Spotlight ✨Our team of therapists is here to support individuals of all ages with compassionate, high-quali...
04/02/2026

✨ Department Spotlight ✨

Our team of therapists is here to support individuals of all ages with compassionate, high-quality care across multiple locations.

We offer a variety of therapy approaches to help with anxiety, trauma, relationships, and more—and even have Spanish-speaking services available.

👉 Stay tuned as we introduce a member from our clinical team each week!

We’re excited to (re)introduce our Albert Lea location! Our team provides compassionate, high-quality therapy for all ag...
04/01/2026

We’re excited to (re)introduce our Albert Lea location! Our team provides compassionate, high-quality therapy for all ages—children, teens, and adults. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, life changes, or relationship challenges, we’re here to help.

✨ Immediate therapy openings available—reach out today to get started ✨

Tip Tuesday 💡When emotions feel intense, your breathing often speeds up without you realizing it. Paced Breathing helps ...
03/31/2026

Tip Tuesday 💡
When emotions feel intense, your breathing often speeds up without you realizing it. Paced Breathing helps slow your nervous system by focusing on longer, steady exhales. Slow breath in… even slower breath out.

Tip Tuesday 💡Strong emotions create strong physical energy. The I in TIPP — Intense Exercise helps release that buildup ...
03/24/2026

Tip Tuesday 💡
Strong emotions create strong physical energy. The I in TIPP — Intense Exercise helps release that buildup by getting your body moving, even for a short burst. It’s not about perfection—it’s about shifting the moment.

Tip Tuesday 💡When emotions spike fast, sometimes you need a skill that works just as quickly. The TIPP Temperature skill...
03/17/2026

Tip Tuesday 💡
When emotions spike fast, sometimes you need a skill that works just as quickly. The TIPP Temperature skill helps reset your nervous system by using cold temperature to bring your body back down to baseline. Regulate first—then decide what comes next.

03/16/2026

Due to the weather and the safety of our staff and clients (and let's be real, most of us can't get out of our driveways at this point), IMS is moving clinical services to virtual only. With many of us being parents and/or caretakers, not all providers will be available for appointments so please keep an eye on your texts/email that you use for communications in case there is a cancellation on our part. Again, if in doubt, reach out to your provider if you have questions!

What we know so far for each program is listed below (we will keep updating this post) is this:

Addiction Services appointments are cancelled in both Austin and Albert Lea locations with no staff availability.

Medication Management appointments are cancelled due to our provider and support staff being unable to reach their respective offices.

Clinical Therapy appointments will be virtual today unless you hear otherwise from IMS staff.

ARMHS/CTSS/Case Management will all be virtual unless staff make direct arrangements with you for your appointment.

SILS/IHS appointments will be on a case-by-case basis.

Our business office will remain open with a light crew, as of right now. Given road conditions, this may change as time goes on. The phones will be on but we may have to be responding to voicemails throughout the day if we can't get to calls as they come in.

Thank you all for your patience and understanding. Stay safe out there!

-Ryan Thorson, Executive Director.

Send a message to learn more

We're Hiring!
03/12/2026

We're Hiring!

Don't forget to stop by and see us today!
03/12/2026

Don't forget to stop by and see us today!

We’re excited to announce Community Connect, a collaborative effort led by local partners working together to make resources more accessible for individuals and families across Mower County.

Join us March 12 from 3–6 PM at Riverland Community College to connect with community organizations, learn about available programs and services, and access helpful supports — all in one place. Hygiene bags and food baskets will be available while supplies last.

Together, we’re making it easier to find support, build connections, and strengthen our community. 💛

Austin Aspires Mower County Health & Human Services Hormel Foods CLUES - Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio Riverland Community College The Hormel Institute Austin First United Methodist Church, Austin, MN

Tip Tuesday 💡Remember Half Smiling? Willing Hands is its companion skill. Our bodies communicate just as much as our tho...
03/10/2026

Tip Tuesday 💡

Remember Half Smiling? Willing Hands is its companion skill. Our bodies communicate just as much as our thoughts. Opening your hands can help shift resistance and support a more willing mindset. Body first, mind follows.

The Hardy Geranium flowers are nice, but therapy gets to the root of the problem 🌻
03/07/2026

The Hardy Geranium flowers are nice, but therapy gets to the root of the problem 🌻

Tip Tuesday 💡Ever notice how much energy we spend dreading things we don’t want to do? Half Smiling is a simple distress...
03/03/2026

Tip Tuesday 💡
Ever notice how much energy we spend dreading things we don’t want to do? Half Smiling is a simple distress tolerance skill that can help shift your mindset and make tough tasks feel more manageable. Small changes can make a difference.

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.

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.