Mental Health Crisis Response in South Dakota

South Dakota’s Department of Housing and Urban Development has compiled a list of helpful hotlines and services. You can also find the number for your local crisis hotline, here. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or just need someone to talk to, call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The State of Mental Health in South Dakota

South Dakota currently ranks 23rd in the United States for mental healthcare. The Division of Behavioral Health (DBH), under the Department of Social Services, is responsible for improving upon their current mental healthcare system, and for providing the resources necessary to build resilience within their communities. The DBH determines the standard of care that all South Dakota residents can expect when they seek treatment from a licensed counselor or therapist. The DBH aims to improve accessibility in all phases of mental illness, from prevention, to treatment and recovery, in order to promote their residents’ well-being and ability to prosper. This includes access to therapists, psychologists, and counselors throughout the state.

A major point of focus for the DBH is prevention. Community prevention coalitions work to educate youth and young adults to promote healthier habits. Educators are also being trained to keep adolescents and teens safe. There are two programs that are currently active in South Dakota school: Lifelines and Signs of Suicide.While it’s important for educators to be able to detect signs from students that may be struggling, evidence has shown that it’s even more important for students and their peers to know the warning signs.

For assistance in navigating treatment for substance abuse, call Drug-Free South Dakota at 1-800-420-9064.

If you are LGBTQ+ and you need support, contact The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386.

NAMI South Dakota

The National Alliance for Mental Illness, or NAMI, is open to anyone struggling with mental illness. NAMI is an inclusive and community-based resource geared towards raising awareness and supporting group members on their journey to recovery. With group counseling sessions led by a trained member with a diagnosis (past or present), meetings follow a set of 12 principles for support. NAMI meetings are meant to complement your existing treatment plan with your counselor or psychologist. There are many chapters of NAMI that meet in South Dakota, including virtual meet-ups. Find yours here.

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