Center for Rural Behavioral Health - Minnesota State University, Mankato

11/04/2025

Join us on January 23 for Therapeutic Best Practices with Children & Youth! This training day is going to include everything from using sandtrays and applying creative interventions throughout the therapy process to engaging with families and caregivers and navigating challenging family dynamics. Register online: https://link.mnsu.edu/therapeuticbestpractices

10/31/2025

Did you know that in addition to therapy our Rural Behavioral Health Clinic has case management to help people identify, access, and navigate supports and services? Meet Wendy Tougas, MSW, LGSW who leads the case management services in addition to providing therapy. Learn more about our training clinic at: https://ahn.mnsu.edu/services-and-centers/center-for-rural-behavioral-health/rural-behavioral-health-clinic/

10/29/2025

There is still time to register for the Clinical Grief Therapy training on November 19! Register online: https://link.mnsu.edu/clinicalgrieftherapy

10/28/2025

Our Clinical Education Coordinator, Elizabeth Harstad, had the opportunity join a panel on mental health for the Greater Mankato Growth Young Professionals! This was a great opportunity to share about regional resources and the work being done through our Center!

10/23/2025

Welcome, Dr. Kall! In August, Dr. Becca Kall, EdD, LMFT joined the Rural Behavioral Health Clinic team as Clinic Manager. We are grateful to have her on the team!😀

10/20/2025

Today was our first Rural-Informed Behavioral Health Interventions training presented by our Director, Dr. Darcie Davis-Gage, and Associate Directors, Dr. Paul Mackie and Dr. Tracie Rutherford-Self. A huge thank you to our first group of behavioral health professionals who participated in today's training.

You still have the opportunity to participate in the live, virtual training coming up on November 14! Register online: https://link.mnsu.edu/behavioral-health-interventions

10/13/2025

Registration is open for our next supervisor training! Join us December 11 for Apprenticeship in Supervision: Supervising for Staff Wellbeing with expert presenter, Angela Lewis-Dmello, MSW, LICSW. Register online: https://link.mnsu.edu/apprenticeshipinsupervision

10/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day! The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Center for Rural Behavioral Health at Minnesota State University, Mankato is dedicated to improving the behavioral health of residents in rural Minnesota through workforce development, education, and research.

10/02/2025

There is still time to register for the Trauma Informed Therapeutic Care training next Thursday, October 9! We look forward to welcoming presenters Dr. Lindsay Murn from In Focus Therapy and Justin Coates from Greater Minnesota Trauma Center - St. Peter! Register at: http://link.mnsu.edu/tic-2025

09/26/2025

Our Director, Darcie Davis Gage, and Associate Director, Tracie Self, were able to join our EMS colleagues on KTOE News to discuss rural behavioral health and first responders!

09/25/2025

Our Center for Rural Behavioral Health Associate Director, Tracie Rutherford-Self, has joined the team of agricultural mental health providers to serve farmers across Minnesota. Monica, Jennifer, and Tracie help farmers, their families, and other ag-connected people throughout Minnesota. No cost; no paperwork. The service is available thanks to funds from the Minnesota Legislature. More info at: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/about/mnfarmerstress/copingstress

Meet Minnesota’s Ag Mental Health Team! We’re welcoming Tracie Rutherford-Self and Jennifer Vaughn, who are joining longtime counselor Monica McConkey in supporting the mental health of Minnesota’s farmers, farm families, and ag workers.

Thanks to support from the Minnesota Legislature and Region Five Development Commission all three offer free and confidential counseling by phone, Zoom, or in person - because no one should face farm stress alone.

Going to Minnesota Farmfest? 🚜
Visit the MDA Tent ( ) or the Farm Safety Pavilion for:
✔ Free farm stress resources
✔ Free gun locks
✔ A chance to meet Tracie on Wednesday, August 6

🔗www.mda.state.mn.us/new-agricultural-mental-health-counselors-join-statewide-program-supporting-farmers

09/23/2025

September is National Recovery Month! Did you know, Minnesota State University, Mankato has an Alcohol and Drug Studies major for students interested in professional careers that will make an immediate impact in the lives of those affected by addiction? Learn more about the program at https://ahn.mnsu.edu/academic-programs/applied-health-science/alcohol-and-drug-studies-bs/

It's National 💜
We dedicate this month to celebrate the power of recovery from substance use disorders and mental health conditions.

for EVERYONE! samhsa.gov/recovery-month