Sioux Falls Schools to Launch 3-Year Pilot for Embedded Mental Health Counseling Services

The Sioux Falls School District held a School Board Work Session on September 3, 2025, focusing on enhancing mental health services for students. The meeting began with an introduction from Kim, the new coordinator of student support services, who outlined her background in education and her current role in the Office of Indian Education.

A significant topic of discussion was the district's current counseling services, which serve over 24,000 students with a counselor-to-student ratio of approximately 356 to 1. This ratio exceeds the recommended 250 to 1 by the American School Counselor Association, highlighting the need for additional support. Kim emphasized the multifaceted role of school counselors, which includes academic planning, individual and group counseling, and collaboration with families and staff.

The meeting also introduced an exciting new initiative aimed at expanding mental health services through a partnership with Avera Family Wellness. This program, funded by an anonymous donor, will pilot embedded mental health counseling in five schools: Washington High School, Whittier Middle School, Cleveland Elementary, Rosa Parks Elementary, and Terry Redlin Elementary. The pilot program will last three years and aims to provide ongoing mental health support by hiring certified therapists to work directly within the schools.

Heidi Thomas from Avera Family Wellness spoke about the program's goals, which include improving student attendance and social-emotional learning while removing barriers to accessing mental health care. The therapists will be available during school hours, allowing students to receive support without the need for transportation or scheduling conflicts.

The board members expressed their support for the initiative, with one member commending the collaboration between Avera and the Sioux Falls Area Foundation. They acknowledged the importance of this program in addressing mental health needs and enhancing the overall well-being of students.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the potential for future expansion of the program, contingent on the success of the pilot. The board emphasized the importance of data tracking to assess the program's impact on students' mental health and academic performance. Overall, the session highlighted the district's commitment to supporting the mental health of its students through innovative partnerships and community collaboration.