Supporting children's mental health at every stage
Emotional or mental health problems can develop at any age and can seriously affect many areas of a child or youth’s life. The Department of Human Services supports a range of children’s mental health services across the state, from prevention to crisis response, school programs to treatment.
School-based support and identifying concerns
Why school?
When left unaddressed, mental health and substance use challenges can derail a student's ability to learn and thrive. Embedding behavioral health services in schools drives prevention, ensures swift identification, and delivers crucial support—right when students need it most.
Not sure if your child needs mental health support?
Changes in mood or behavior can be hard to understand. Learn what signs to watch for and when to consider an assessment, checkup, or screening.
Crisis or emergency services
Crisis services are available 24/7 for children and youth experiencing a mental health emergency, with statewide phone, text and chat options to connect individuals to immediate support.
Find Minnesota mental health crisis numbers by county 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call, chat or text 988 Crisis Text Line
About
Many Minnesota kids have emotional concerns. Early screening and treatment can help them succeed at home, school and work.
Programs and services
Find children’s mental health programs and services, learn who to contact for referrals, information and get crisis help if you need support right now.
Resources
Helpful information about children’s mental health issues and treatment, across Minnesota with local supports and referrals.
Support for children with complex needs
Find how Minnesota System of Care helps coordinate services for children and youth with complex mental health needs. See how family-driven, youth-guided and culturally responsive care works.
Mental health matters
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is dedicated to supporting adults, children and youth with a mental illness in their personal journey toward recovery, as well as preventing mental illness whenever possible.
People with mental illness have the same rights as anyone. The department is committed to making sure individual choice is respected and that people with mental illness are able to live, learn, work and enjoy life in their community to the best of their ability.
The department oversees a number of publicly funded programs offering community-based mental health services, creating a continuum of services designed to meet the needs of individuals.