Center for Rural Behavioral Health - Minnesota State University, Mankato

11/10/2025

We are thrilled about the topic for the 2026 Health Summit: Rooted in Wellness – Advancing Rural Youth Health! This is going to be a great conference!

Save the date for the 2026 Health Summit: Rooted in Wellness – Advancing Rural Youth Health, a full-day event dedicated to improving health and wellbeing for youth in rural communities.

📅 Date: March 25, 2026
🕣 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Centennial Student Union, Minnesota State University, Mankato

This year’s summit brings together healthcare professionals, educators, community leaders, and researchers to share strategies and innovations that support the physical, mental, and social health of rural youth. Sessions will include evidence-based practices, collaborative discussions, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen cross-sector partnerships.

Why Attend:
• Gain insights into current challenges and solutions in rural youth health
• Learn from expert speakers and community practitioners
• Build connections with professionals dedicated to advancing rural wellness

🔗 Register today: https://link.mnsu.edu/2026healthsummit

We hope you’ll join us for this important event as we work together to build healthier, more resilient rural communities.

The 2026 sponsors include:

BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota
Delta Dental
Ecumen
Harry Meyering Center
Mankato Clinic
Mayo Clinic Health System
Open Door Health Clinic

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

10/02/2025

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