Just months into a new mental health program in the Sioux Falls School District, early successes are already emerging.
The pilot program places clinical therapists full time in five schools, where they meet with students individually for weekly, in-person sessions. It began in December and will run for three years. Therapists employed by Avera Behavioral Health work with about 25 students each week at each school.
The “Rooted in Schools” program is designed to make it more convenient for students to receive one-on-one counseling with less disruption to their school day.
“It takes a lot of time if they have to leave the school during the day, so now they can go right back to class,” said Brandi Umberger, a therapist at Terry Redlin Elementary School, where a news conference was held Monday to provide information about the effort.
The program also benefits families, Umberger said, by reducing concerns about cost, transportation and taking time off work for appointments.
“Students get a chance to express themselves and share their feelings,” she said. “They learn coping skills and build confidence in handling life’s challenges.”
Heidi Thomas, who leads the program, said attendance among the 123 participating students has increased by 14%.
Sioux Falls School District Superintentdent Jamie Nold during a media briefing at Terry Redlin Elementary School on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Contributed / Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation
In addition, there has been a 51% decrease in life-threatening statements made by those students, as reported by instructional staff and tracked by the district, as required by law.
“We’ve also seen a decrease in disruptive behaviors for students in the program,” said Superintendent Jamie Nold.
Umberger, who will continue working with students during the summer months, said she often receives “high fives” from participants in the hallways.
“They are so excited about coming to the sessions,” she said. “It’s an important part of their school week.”
Other schools involved in the program are Cleveland and Rosa Parks elementary schools, Whittier Middle School and Washington High School.
Nold added that offering mental health therapy in a familiar, supportive environment helps students build resilience and succeed both academically and socially.
If a staff member recommends a referral, a therapist will obtain permission from a parent or guardian before gathering information and beginning care.
Andy Patterson, CEO of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, during a media briefing at Terry Redlin Elementary School in Sioux Falls on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Contributed / Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation
Umberger said therapists typically spend about 45 minutes per week with each student.
Services are billed through insurance when possible, but uninsured students are covered as part of the program.
Andy Patterson, CEO of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation and a partner with the Seed for Success Foundation, said the organization supports initiatives that help young people succeed.
He said the group identified mental health as a key concern in the Sioux Falls area and looked to successful models elsewhere, including a similar program in the Hennepin County school district in Minneapolis.
The Seed for Success Foundation has committed $1.2 million to the three-year pilot program to help cover costs for uninsured students, fund Avera therapists embedded in the district and support related program expenses.
The Sioux Falls School District also employs its own behavioral team, which assists students with mental health and other needs across other schools in the city. That team includes licensed therapists and other specialists who work directly with students.
Amundson has more than 50 years experience as a journalist. He started as a sport reporter in Minnesota and spent the final 15 years of his full-time professional career for Forum News Service and The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. Prior to retiring, Amundson was the city and night reporter for The Forum.
After retiring, he moved to the Sioux Falls, S.D., area, where he now writes on a freelance basis for Sioux Falls Live.