Sioux Falls schools in mental health pilot program see attendance, performance gains
School district partnered with Avera and Sioux Falls Community Foundation to place on-site therapists at five schools
A pilot program that embedded mental health therapists in five Sioux Falls schools is showing signs of success just a few months since its launch, school officials announced Monday.
Attendance has increased 14 percent among students participating in the program and “life threats” have decreased in participating schools by 51 percent since the program’s start in late 2025, said Heidi Thomas, the manager of Avera Behavioral Health’s outpatient services.
