Use our phone lines or contact your assigned worker for information or questions. Our staff will assist you in finding information and services to meet your needs. For needs that require in-person assistance, Social Services staff are available at the Northern Service Center in West St. Paul and Western Service Center in Apple Valley from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. When visiting Dakota County buildings and other locations, please follow
Minnesota Department of Health guidance.
- 24/7 Crisis Response, 952-891-7171
- Adult Mental Health, 651-554-6424
- Aging and Disability Services, 651-554-6336
- Chemical Health, 651-554-6424
- Child Protection Reporting, 952-891-7459
- Children and Family Services Intake, 952-891-7459
- Housing Crisis Line, 651-554-5751
- Vulnerable Adult Reporting, 1-844-880-1574
The importance of good mental health
Good mental health is an important component of healthful living. It affects everything in our daily life, including how we act, learn, work, communicate, relate with others and feel about ourselves.
Keys to maintaining good mental health include:
- Managing stress
- Maintaining positive self esteem
- Developing coping skills
- Reducing social isolation
- Eating healthy
- Exercising regularly
- Resting adequately
Mental Illnesses
Mental illnesses are biochemical brain disorders that affect a person’s thinking and emotions and may impact their ability to manage life on a day-to-day basis. Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder.
The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible. People of any age, race, or gender can be affected by mental illness.
They are treatable
Mental illnesses are serious medical illnesses. They cannot be overcome through "will power" and are not related to a person's character or intelligence. Mental illness falls along a continuum of severity.
Mental illness can be treated through a variety of methods. Many people need a combination of psychiatry services (medication management), therapy and rehabilitative or supportive services to successfully manage their illness.
With appropriate medication and a wide range of services tailored to their needs, most people who live with serious mental illnesses can significantly reduce the impact of their illness and find a satisfying measure of achievement and independence. A key concept is to develop strategies to manage the illness process.