.png?mask=1024)
Mental Health Resources & Information
What is Mental Health?
Mental Health is defined as how a person thinks, feels, and acts in regards to their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It helps determine how we will handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Having good mental health is important at every stage of our lives. Ways that may help you maintain good mental health include: getting professional help when you need it, connecting with others, getting physically active, getting enough sleep, helping others, and developing positive coping skills. Throughout your life if you experience mental health concerns, your thinking, emotions, and behavior could be affected. Mental health problems are common and help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and many people recover completely with the right support. (mentalhealth.gov)
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms talk to a parent or trusted adult, and consider seeking professional help:
- Can't eat or sleep
- Can't perform daily tasks like going to school
- Don't want to hang out with your friends or family
- Don't want to do things you usually enjoy
- Fight a lot with family and friends
- Feel like you can't control your emotions and it's affecting your relationships with your family and friends
- Have low or no energy
- Feel hopeless
- Feel numb or like nothing matters
- Can't stop thinking about certain things or memories
- Feel confused, forgetful, edgy, angry, upset, worried, or scared
- Want to harm yourself or others
- Have random aches and pains
- Smoke, drink, or use drugs
- Hear voices
(mentalhealth.gov)
Addressing News and Current Events: Parenting Tips
Tips for Families: Managing Stress & Anxiety During Covid 19
Everyone reacts differently. How we respond to the pandemic can depend on our culture, background, the things that make us different from other people, and the community we live in. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress will make us, the people we care about, and our community stronger.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy, and do something that fits for you spiritually or religiously. Connect with others, talk with people you trust about concerns and how you are feeling.
- Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
- Deal with your own anxiety, talk with your kids, ask how they are feeling, share relevant information, limit screen time, and let your child know we’re using social distancing so fewer people get sick.
Grief and Loss
Essentia Health Videos:
Essentia Health Grief Support Website:
Mental Health Services Across Duluth Public Schools
The mental health of children and adolescents is important to Duluth Public Schools.
As part of state licensing, each educator completes training regarding the Signs and Symptoms of Early Onset Child and Adolescent Mental Illness.
We employ School Counselors at our secondary schools and have School Psychologists and School Social Workers that provide services to all of our schools.
We also partner with community organizations to provide "co-located" mental health services. Schools provide space within the schools and local mental health agencies provide therapists.
Social-Emotional Learning
Social-Emotional Learning or SEL has become an integral part of the education process. As much as we value academic skills such as literacy and math skills, it is SEL that provides the humanistic teaching to assist raising our kids into successful adults and community members.
According to CASEL, a leader in SEL research and work, "define(s) social and emotional learning (SEL) as an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.
SEL advances educational equity and excellence through authentic school-family-community partnerships to establish learning environments and experiences that feature trusting and collaborative relationships, rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction, and ongoing evaluation. SEL can help address various forms of inequity and empower young people and adults to co-create thriving schools and contribute to safe, healthy, and just communities."
At Duluth Public Schools we are in our 2nd year of district-wide implementation of Second Step, a leading curriculum for social-emotional learning that impacts our kids pre-k through 8th grade. Through Second Step we are able to give tools to our teachers and provide a space for all kids to learn SEL skills. Second Step gives us a common language to use and consistent practices to support students. Research shows SEL can improve test scores, while lowering exclusionary discipline such as office referrals and suspensions. As a district we are grateful to have Second Step for our staff and kids. We are also grateful for our teachers and many support staff that deliver social emotional learning each day.
Additional Resources:
Elementary Schools:
Stowe - 218-336-8965
- Amanda Borling: Special Education School Social Worker x.3020 ; amanda.borling@isd709.org
- John Hirman: School Psychologist x.2561 ; john.hirman@isd709.org
- Todd McGowan: SEL Interventionist x.3094 ; todd.mcgowan@isd709.org
Laura MacArthur - 218-336-8900
- Amanda Borling: Special Education School Social Worker x.3020 ; amanda.borling@isd709.org
- Christine Ziegler: General Education School Social Worker x.3124 ; christine.ziegler@isd709.org
- Scott Pilate: School Psychologist x.2766 ; scott.pilate@isd709.org
Piedmont - 218-336-8950
- Maya Vukelich: Special Education School Social Worker and General Education School Social Worker x.3272 ; maya.vukelich@isd709.org
- Jessica Bradley: General Education School Social Worker x.2562 ; jessica.bradley@isd709.org
- Michelle Cordle: School Psychologist x.3119 ; michelle.cordle@isd709.org
Lowell - 218-336-8895
- Lindsay Bruce: Special Education and General Education School Social Worker x.2370 ; lindsay.bruce@isd709.org
- Taylor Walling: Social Emotional Learning Specialist x.2681 ; taylor.walling@isd709.org
- Scott Pilate: School Psychologist x.2766 ; scott.pilate@isd709.org
Myers-Wilkins - 218-336-8860
- Liz Baczkiewicz: Social Emotional Learning Specialist x.2630 ; elizabeth.baczkiewicz@isd709.org
- Hannah Stokes: Social, Emotional, Behavioral MTSS Coordinator & Special Education School Social Worker x.2214 ; hannah.stokes@isd709.org
-
Breelynn Frischmann: Special Education School Social Worker & General Education School Social Worker x.2420 ; breelynn.frischmann@isd709.org
-
Ann Feyen: School Psychologist x.2555 ; ann.feyen@isd709.org
Lester Park - 218-336-8875
- Katherine Houglum: School Psychologist x.3107 ; katherine.houglum@isd709.org
- Special Education School Social Worker TBD
- Todd McGowan: SEL Interventionist x.3094 ; todd.mcgowan@isd709.org
- Kristen Bauerkemper: General Education School Social Worker x.2013 ; kristen.bauerkemper@isd709.org
Congdon Park- 218-336-8825
- Corinne McMahon: Special Education and General Education School Social Worker x.1270 ; corinne.mcmahon@isd709.org
- Meghan Sperl: School Counselor x.3085 ; meghan.sperl@isd709.org
- Christa Feely-Pederson: School Psychologist x.135 ; christa.feely@isd709.org
Homecroft - 218-336-8865
- Special Education School Social Worker TBD
- Douglas Trentor: School Psychologist x.2555 ; douglas.trentor@isd709.org
- Todd McGowan: SEL Interventionist x.3094 ; todd.mcgowan@isd709.org
Lakewood - 218-336-8870
- Breanna Greenly: Special Education School Social Worker x.3025 ; douglas.trentor@isd709.org
- Katherine Houglum: School Psychologist x.3107 ; katherine.houglum@isd709.org
- Todd McGowan: SEL Interventionist x.3094 ; todd.mcgowan@isd709.org
Pre-K/Early Childhood - 218-336-8700
- Maria Shermoen: Early Childhood School Social Worker x.2936 ; maria.shermoen@isd709.org
Secondary Schools:
Lincoln Park Middle School - 218-336-8880
- Nicole Steinsberger: Counselor (8th grade) x.3330 ; nicole.steinsberger@isd709.org
- Kim Flaa: Counselor (6th grade) x.3347 ; kimberly.flaa@isd709.org
- Tory Rock: Counselor (7th grade) x.3348 ; tory.rock@isd709.org
- Robert Baxton: Special Education Social Worker x.3800 ; robert.baxton@isd709.org
- Breanna Greenly: Special Education Social Worker x.3025 ; breanna.greenly@isd709.org
- Jennifer Fuchs: Social, Emotional, Behavioral MTSS Coordinator x.2251 ; jennifer.fuchs@isd709.org
- Lisa Wentworth: PAWS Program Coordinator (Alternative to Suspension) x. 2167 ; lisa.wentworth@isd709.org
- John Hirman: School Psychologist x.2561 ; john.hirman@isd709.org
Ordean East Middle School - 218-336-8940
- Sarah Seglum: School Counselor (7th grade) x.3327 ; sarah.seglem@isd709.org
- Ashley Kedrowski: School Counselor (6th grade) x.2222 ; ashley.kedrowski@isd709.org
- Morgan Costley: School Counselor (8th grade) x.1262 ; morgan.costley@isd709.org
- Tracy Litman: Special Education & General Education Social Worker x.4137 ; tracy.litman@isd709.org
- Douglas Trentor: School Psychologist x.2555 ; douglas.trentor@isd709.org
Denfeld High School - 218-336-8830
- Shane Erickson: Special Education Social Worker x.2337 ; shane.erickson@isd709.org
- Heather Jarvis: Social, Emotional, Behavioral MTSS Coordinator x.2375 ; heather.jarvis@isd709.org
- Dawn Plath: Special Education Social Worker x. 2111 ; dawn.plath@isd709.org
- Jennifer Wellnitz: School Counselor (9th & 10th grade BARR Coordinator) x.2050 ; jennifer.wellnitz@isd709.org
- Lauren Mattson: School Counselor (9th grade) x. 2022 ; lauren.mattson@isd709.org
- Geri Saari: School Counselor (10th-12th graders w/ last names A-He) x.3336 ; geraldine.saari@isd7709.org
- Leah Hamm-Digatono: School Counselor (10th-12th graders w/ last names Hi-Q) x.2264 ; leah.hamm-digatono@isd709.org
- Jessica Anderson: School Counselor (10th-12th graders w/ last names R-Z) x.1923 ; jessica.anderson@isd709.org
- Rose Hilliker: School Psychologist, x.1265 (Grades 10-12 & students with setting III special education services) ; rose.hilliker@isd709.org
- Douglas Trentor: School Psychologist x.3119 (Grade 9 students) ; douglas.trentor@isd709.org
East High School - 218-336-8845
- Ron Lake: Special Education School Social Worker x.2014 ; ronald.lake@isd709.org
- Jamie Savre: School Counselor (Last Name A-E) x.2154 ; jamie.savre@isd709.org
- Jessica Forsman: School Counselor (Last Name F-Ka) x.2041 ; jessica.forsman@isd709.org
- Alaina Abraham: School Counselor (Last Name Ke-Q) x. 2148 ; alaina.abraham@isd709.org
- Laura Horton: School Counselor (Last Name R-Z) x. 1121 ; laura.horton@isd709.org
- Dave Bergan: School Counselor (9th grade) x. 1345 ; david.bergan@isd709.org
- Christa Feely: School Psychologist x.1135 ; christa.feely@isd709.org
ALC - 218-336-8756
- Breanna Greenly: Special Education School Social Worker x.3025 ; breanna.greenly@isd709.orgpau
- Paula Williams: School Counselor x.1288 ; paula.williams@isd709.org
- Ann Feyen: School Psychologist x.2555 ; ann.feyen@isd709.org
District Staff - 218-336-8700
- Callie DeVriendt: Mental Health/Social Emotional Behavioral Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Coordinator x.3359 ; callie.devriendt@isd709.org
- Jacob Laurent: Climate Coordinator x.2767 ; jacob.laurent@isd709.org
Need health insurance? MNsure is an online marketplace for Minnesotans to enroll in health care coverage. https://www.mnsure.org/
MNsure Navigators offer free, enrollment asistance in five locations across Duluth. They will help with the application process of applying for insurance and stay with you every step of the way until insurance is active. See below for locations and contact information to get in touch with a MNsure Navigator.
Generations Health Care: 218-336-5709
WE Health Clinic: 218-727-3352
Lake Superior Community Health Clinic: 218-722-9650
Community Action Duluth: 218-726-1665
The YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center: 218-241-8008 x.527
Have you noticed your child struggling with their mental health? Are you feeling like your child could benefit from working with a therapist?
If the answer is YES, here is some information for you to connect your child to therapy services.
- Northland Children's Mental Health Collaborative Website - Click here to find a list of children's mental health providers and services from around Duluth and the surrounding area. Search through a wide range of services and specialties that agencies/providers can provide.
Co-Located Mental Health Partners (provide therapy services in person at the school site):
- Northwood Children's Services:
- Day Treatment Program - Currently day treatment services are taking place at Lincoln Park Middle School, Myers-Wilkins Elementary School, Piedmont Elementary School, and Laura MacArthur Elementary School. For more information or to make a referral please contact the following people at the school location your child attends:
- For LPMS - Contact 218-336-8880 x.3343
- For Myers-Wilkins - Contact Terry Koren at 218-336-8860 x.2497
- For Piedmont - Contact Chelsea Lent at 218-336-8950 x.2815
- For Laura MacArthur - Contact 218-728-7181
- Outpatient Services - Northwood Outpatient Services is a co-located partner that provides therapy services across ISD 709 at Lowell Elementary, Piedmont Elementary, and Laura MacArthur Elementary. For more information or to get connected to services please contact 218-728-7181.
- Day Treatment Program - Currently day treatment services are taking place at Lincoln Park Middle School, Myers-Wilkins Elementary School, Piedmont Elementary School, and Laura MacArthur Elementary School. For more information or to make a referral please contact the following people at the school location your child attends:
- The Human Development Center - HDC is a co-located partner that provides therapy services across ISD 709 at Lincoln Park Middle School, Lester Park Elementary, Congdon Park Elementary, Lakewood Elementary, Homecroft Elementary, Stowe Elementary, and Myers-Wilkins Elementary. For more information or to get connected to services please contact the HDC intake department at 218-728-4491 or reach out to your School Social Worker or School Counselor to assist with making a referral.
- Fond du Lac School Linked Mental Health - Fond du Lac School Linked Mental Health is a co-located partner that provides therapeutic services to Native American students within the FDL service area. For further information or to get connected to services please contact 218-878-3756 or reach out to your School Social Worker to assist with making a referral.
- Arrowhead Psychological - Arrowhead Psychological is a co-located partner that provides therapy services across ISD 709 at both East High School and Ordean East Middle School. For more information or to get connected to services please contact Arrowhead Psychological at 218-723-8153 or reach out to your School Social Worker or School Counselor to assist with making a referral.
- Nystrom and Associates - Nystrom and Associates is a co-located partner that provides therapy services at Denfeld High School. For more information or to get connected to services please contact Ashley Tuve at ATuve@nystromcounseling.com, or by phone at 218-940-4035, or request an appointment by filling the form out on this link: Nystrom & Associates Request an Appointment Form. Or you can contact one of Denfeld's School Social Workers or School Counselors to assist with making a referral.
- Therapeutic Services Agency - The Therapeutic Services Agency (TSA) is a co-located partner that provides culturally affirmative mental health therapy to deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing children (birth to 22 years old) who are experiencing difficulties due to emotional and behavioral problems. For more information or to make a referral call 218-343-6196 or go online at https://www.hoperealized.com/programs-services/deaf-and-hard-of-hearing .
- Call 911 in an emergency
- Warm line at 651-288-0400 or text “Support” to 85511
- Crisis line at 218-623-1800, Dial 2 for crisis
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 or online at 988lifeline.org provides free, 24/7, confidential support (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).
- Crisis Lifeline by texting MN to 741741
- SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990
- Boystown National Hotline: Call 800-448-3000 or TTY 800-448-3000 for crisis and support line for children, youth and their parents, 24/7, Spanish available.
- Childhelp (1.800.4ACHILD): This 24/7 anonymous, confidential provides assistance in 170 languages to adults, children, and youth regarding child abuse.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with counselors 24/7/365.
- Hopeline Suicide Crisis Hotline: Call 1-800-SUICIDE for a 24-hour National Suicide Crisis Hotline that automatically directs the call to the nearest crisis center.
- National Runaway Safeline (1.800.RUNAWAY): This is a 24/7 crisis line for youth thinking about running away, for youth already on the run, and adults worried about a runaway.
- Teen Lifeline: Call (24/7/365) or Text 1-800-248-8336 (weekdays 12-9pm and weekends), for crisis support or peer counseling (3-9pm daily).
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.