Emotional health is a significant component of our overall health and is important at every stage of life. It affects how we think, feel, act and how we respond to stress.
Mental health concerns during childhood affects 1 in 5 children and commonly include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and behavior disorders. It can make it difficult for a child to learn, behave and function throughout the day.
Get help in a crisis
Life threatening emergencies (24/7)
Call 911.
Urgent help (24/7)
Call the Crisis Response Unit at 952-891-7171. The Crisis Response Unit is available to all people in the community. Phones are answered by caring staff who know a lot about mental health, housing, shelters, food, employment and transportation.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text "988" or visit 988lifeline.org/chat. The lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals in the U.S.
Getting county services
Some children may be eligible for ongoing support. The county provides navigation and coordination to help children who have mental health concerns get the support they need.
For those who qualify, case management is provided at no cost. Other recommended services such as individual and family therapy and medical management are generally covered by medical insurance.
For additional information on how to apply for these services, call Children's Mental Health Case Management at 952-891-7459. A screener will talk with you about your child's needs and advise you of the application process.
Children's Mental Health Local Advisory Council
Dakota County has a Children's Mental Health Local Advisory Council to advise the county board on local children's mental health service needs. For more information, see the
Local Advisory Council page.