Sioux Falls Launches Mental Health Program in Partnership with Avera and Community Foundation

The Sioux Falls School District is set to launch a new mental health program in partnership with Avera, aimed at providing essential support to students throughout the school year and summer months. During the School Board Work Session on September 3, 2025, district officials discussed the program's structure and its anticipated impact on student well-being.

The initiative will employ full-time therapists from Avera, with some staff working exclusively during the school year and others available year-round. The district plans to collaborate with individual schools to tailor summer programming, ensuring that mental health services remain accessible even when school is not in session. While specific details about summer offerings are still being finalized, the commitment to continue support for students is clear.

Dodie Otten from the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have made this program possible. She highlighted the importance of community partnerships and the generous contributions from local donors, which are crucial for addressing mental health challenges among students. Otten noted that the program is modeled after a successful initiative in Minnesota, which has expanded significantly over the past two decades.

This new program represents a significant step forward in addressing mental health needs within the Sioux Falls community, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of mental wellness in education. As the district prepares for implementation, stakeholders are optimistic about the positive outcomes this initiative will bring to students and families.