OSSEO, Minn. - At Elm Creek Elementary School in Osseo, students now have a resource to deal with life's more serious issues.
"There is a need for mental health services as young as kindergarten," Principal Beth Ness said.
Ness enthusiastically pushed for her school to be included in a school-linked mental health program.
The Lee Carlson Center for Mental Health and Well-Being now has a therapist in seven different school districts: Osseo, Fridley, Columbia Heights, Centennial, St. Francis, St. Anthony-New Brighton and Spring Lake Park, serving more than 2,000 students.
Therapist Krysta Palmer sees about five children at Elm Creek every day for problems ranging from depression and anxiety to trauma.
"It could be abuse, it could be they're struggling with school. Parents separating. Trauma is different for every kid," Palmer said.
Students don't have to seek help themselves. Their parents are in contact with teachers, who might suggest talking with Palmer if there are any potential issues.
"The hope is we can reach kids when they're young. Because that's when it's really important to get the tools," Palmer said.
The tools needed to deal with mental, behavioral or developmental disorders before they even reach high school.
"Starting at a younger age, they will be better equipped as adults,"
These services are paid for in part by the state, which this year set aside $4.9 million for these types of mental health programs.