Employees of many state-licensed and registered childcare providers in South Dakota are eligible to receive funding assistance to receive mental health services.
Department of Social Services Secretary Matt Althoff says childcare employees face physically and emotionally demanding challenges in their work. He says by providing financial support for therapy costs through the Child Care Provider Voucher Program, they hope to assist individuals in overcoming any financial barriers they may face when seeking the help they need.
Approximately 17 providers across the state will be enrolling in the new program. Individuals working in state licensed and registered childcare programs can choose a participating provider and receive up to eight mental health counseling sessions. Sessions are available in person or via telemedicine.
For employees of a state licensed or registered childcare provider in need of receiving a voucher for mental health services, visit 605strong.com or contact the statewide 211 HelpLine for a referral.
This new version of the Behavioral Health Voucher Program is funded through a grant from the American Rescue Plan Act Discretionary Funds and will be managed by the DSS Division of Behavioral Health. The program extends the 605 Strong Behavioral Health Voucher Program created in 2021 to help connect South Dakotans with mental health services during the natural disasters in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comments