Mental Health

A collection of mental health news and resources.

Rural Behavioral Health Clinic run by MSU Mankato to open this year
Minnesota State University, Mankato announced a five-year agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota in opening The Rural Behavioral Health Clinic later this year. It will be adjacent to the campus.
Youth Mental Health panel talks cell phone bans, rural needs
The Minnesota Department of Health said 89 percent of rural physicians are providing some type of mental health services. The report also noted that in some cases behavioral health is integrated into primary care clinic settings. However, there are also gaps in coverage.
In light of Park Tavern crash, substance-use recovery advocates say comprehensive approach needed
The man behind the wheel during the Park Tavern crash had five previous DWI convictions. It brings up questions about the sometimes complicated path to sobriety.
Native-led suicide prevention program focuses on building community strengths
A research group is testing a new suicide prevention model in rural Alaska Native villages: supporting cultural activities that strengthen community bonds and a sense of shared purpose.
Support dog's presence didn't bias sex abuse trial, Minnesota appeals court rules
In July 2023, a Stearns County jury found Jairo Fernandez Sorto guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for abusing a teenage girl for years starting when she was eight. Stearns County’s facility dog, Nova, was present in the courtroom as the 15-year-old testified.
Resident assistants face new pressures, responsibilities in post-COVID college life
Colleges rely on resident assistants to help support students during the school year, but the job has become more complex in an era when student mental health needs have leaped. With the new school year starting, RAs and their trainers say the demands have never been greater.
Healthy aging month: New training helps people reach out to those with mental health struggles
About one in five adults over age 55 experience a mental health condition or concern, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But it can be hard to know how to reach out to someone who might be struggling.
Parents are facing alarming levels of stress
Last week, the U.S. Surgeon General released a warning about the mental health of parents. MPR News host Angela Davis talked about why parents and caregivers are facing overwhelming stress and what can be done by individuals and through policies to better support families.
As school begins, nurses face high turnover and heightened student mental health needs
Tuesday is the first day of school for many students and school nurses in some areas of the state are facing pressures on staffing and heightened mental health needs. Tara Cliff, health services supervisor at Eastern Carver County schools, said that turnover has been a challenge for her district.
Hazelden’s CEO on the evolution of addiction treatment
MPR News host Angela Davis talks about addiction with Dr. Joseph Lee, the CEO of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. As the organization marks its 75th anniversary, they talk about how Minnesota became a world leader in addiction treatment.