Mental Health Awareness
May is Mental Health Month
Each May, Dakota County works with community members to promote mental health, reduce stigma and share resources.
CredibleMind
Dakota County CredibleMind is a free, confidential online platform containing mental health information, including videos, podcasts, articles and more. Visit the site to check out more than 200 topics. CredibleMind also offers self-assessments and links to local resources.
Pick up a yard sign and mental health resources
Help Dakota County spread awareness and reduce stigma by posting a yard sign at your residence or business. Yard signs and printed mental health resources are available for pick-up during the month of May at all library branches and service centers.
Participate in one of Dakota County's Local Advisory Councils
The Children's Mental Health Local Advisory Council and Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council offer individuals, parents, families and providers the opportunity to make a real difference in how mental health care is provided in their community. The councils work to:
- Develop a mental health system that monitors and responds to consumer needs and trends.
- Provide input on what services are needed.
- Promotes awareness and understanding of mental health.
Support immigrant and refugee mental health
The Minnesota Psychologist Association's “Find a Psychologist" tool was designed to connect those who need support with psychologists who have volunteered their time.
Under the “Provides Immigration Activity Support" filter, select “Yes", then click “Find." Results will include those psychologists who have agreed to provide pro bono support services for those affected by recent immigration enforcement activities.
The Health Services Directory features low-cost and immigrant-friendly health services. It includes a listing of hospitals, clinics, organizations and services that offer dental services, disability services, domestic violence services and sexual assault services, health services, home health services, hotlines, mental health services and vision services.
Additional information can be found on the Minnesota Refugee Health Program webpage.
The Refugee and Immigrant Helpline connects people to helpful information, resources and services in your community. Navigators provide support and trusted guidance you can trust.
NAMI MN Connection Virtual Support Groups are free, peer-led support groups for adults (18+) living with a mental illness. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. The groups are led by trained leaders with lived experience.
- NAMI Connection Support Group for Somali Women
Facilitated by Nimo and Rayan on the first, third, and fifth Saturday of every month from 5:30-7 p.m.
- NAMI Connection Support Group - BIPOC LGBTQ+
Facilitated by Abamikhu and Katrina every Sunday from 1-2:30 p.m.
- NAMI Family Support Group - Spanish Speaking
Facilitated by Mahry on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 6-8:30 p.m. on Zoom.
Restoration for All is hosting the 12th Annual African Mental Health Summit on July 10. This year's theme is “Borders, Belonging and Well-being: Building Thriving African Diaspora Communities Through Mental Health Justice."
Find a mental health training near you
You can host or attend mental health and suicide prevention trainings through Prevent Suicide MN's website and NAMI Minnesota.
Get support now
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, help is available 24/7:
- Dakota County Crisis Response Unit: 952-891-7171
- Crisis Text Line: Text “MN" to 741741
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Wellness in the Woods Peer Line
- East Metro Crisis Alliance: Call 651-288-0400 or text “support" to 85511