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.

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.

👋 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.

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.