Back to School: Not just School Supplies but also Supporting Kids with Mental Health Resources
As children across Minnesota head back to school, it’s a time of excitement, new beginnings, and sometimes…a little stress. For many students, school is not just a place to learn, it’s where they spend most of their time, build friendships, and discover who they are. But for some, it can also be where struggles with mental health show up most clearly.
Right now, the need for school-based mental health support in Minnesota is greater than ever. According to the Minnesota Student Survey, almost 30% of students reported long-term mental health, behavioral, or emotional problems. That’s nearly one in three children. Even more concerning, over 40% of ninth graders reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless. These are staggering numbers—and they highlight why access to mental health services in schools is so vital.
School-based mental health care makes it easier for kids to get help where they already are. It reduces barriers like transportation, cost, or stigma, and allows parents and caregivers to feel supported in helping their child thrive. At Family Service Rochester, we’re proud to provide these services because we know the difference they make—for both children and families.
But here’s the challenge: not every appointment is covered by insurance, and too often families have to choose between paying for essentials or continuing care. That’s why our Once Upon a Playhouse Fundraiser is so important. Proceeds from this event help cover the cost of school-based mental health appointments that insurance doesn’t fully fund. It ensures no child goes without the support they need simply because of financial barriers.
When we invest in children’s mental health, we’re not just supporting them today, we’re setting them up for success for years to come.
How you can help:
- Join us for Once Upon a Playhouse and be part of the fun while supporting this critical cause. https://familyservicerochester.org/Once-Upon-a-Playhouse. Buy your tickets at Sargent's or Family Service Rochester until Sept 9th.
- Make a gift to help a child access the mental health care they need this school year.
Together, we can make sure that every child has the chance to feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive—both inside and outside the classroom.
