Single Parent Mental Health Support

 

The purpose of this Act is to provide free mental health services that include individual and group counseling, online

and in-person support to eligible single parents in the state of Minnesota.

 

 

Oftentimes, single parents deal with stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness that come with being a single parent.

Especially when childcare, financial, and work-related pressures are significant, their mental health begins to decline.

They carry the weight of two people but receive the support of none. And they are usually unable to get help because of

the high cost of therapy and the lack of accessible programs. Their pain goes unseen and untreated, leaving many single

parents unable to get the help they need.

 

 

“Single parent” means an individual who is the sole parent or guardian of one or more dependent children and who is

earning income and maintaining the household as the only guardian.

“Eligible single parent" resides in Minnesota, regardless of income level, with priority given to low-income households.

“Mental health services” means professional mental health counseling, therapy sessions (in-person or online), and

support groups certified by mental health professionals or licensed peer-support facilitators.

 

 

The sum of 12 million dollars will be provided by the Minnesota Health and Human Services budget to the State Agency for

the purpose of implementing and operating the program.

 

 

This bill will not need to be enforced, as it is more of a program/service that the state will offer. The Program will

make services available to eligible single parents free of charge in every region of Minnesota, with options for online

participation and in-person sessions, and private sessions or group counseling to maximize accessibility.

 

 

The State Agency can begin the program no later than March 1, 2026.