May is Mental Health Awareness Month. What does it mean to be aware of your mental health? It means knowing what mental health is and where to go if you need help. Codington County and the five surrounding counties have the Human Service Agency as the behavioral health agency that provides funding for those who meet income guidelines and are in need of assistance. South Dakota is home to 11 community mental health centers. The Human Service Agency is unique in that they are the only center adjoined with our community support provider, otherwise known as New Horizons. HSA provides mental health therapy for individuals, groups, and families; psychiatric evaluations and medication management checks; addictions evaluations and intensive outpatient treatment; services for those with severe mental illness, a halfway house, and detox. We also provide prevention services to 22 counties. It is the only center that provides prevention, intervention and postvention to anyone experiencing an addiction or mental health need.
This summer we will open our Appropriate Regional Facility that will provide four crisis beds to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. As a crisis stabilization facility, people can stay with us for up to five days or until the crisis is resolved and treatment in their home community is established. The Human Service Agency is also the only mental health facility in the six-county region that provides state funding for those who meet income guidelines. For those who exceed income guidelines but still find funding their treatment experience a hardship, we offer fee modifications and sliding fees in addition to accepting all insurances. We are also the only agency that personally provides 24/7 crisis care. Calling our number after hours results in one of our qualified staff responding to the call or crisis. We do not direct callers to call 911 but respond to those calls.
Life can be challenging for many of us. Mental Health Awareness has very much opened many minds to what mental health is all about. The Human Service Agency is here to help you determine if you are coping with a life stressor that results in sleep loss, or moments of anxiety, or if you have a more serious mental illness that warrants medication and case management. Mental wellness to illness is a continuum that requires skilled, compassionate and dedicated staff to help diagnose, treat and maintain progress. If you are in need of any level of service, do not hesitate to call us for an assessment at 605-886-0123. Enjoy Mental Health Awareness Month by enjoying the sunshine and good weather and showing kindness to others. Everyone’s mental health improves with that.