As South Dakota grapples with addressing the mental health needs of its youth, a pressing narrative emerges from voices like that of Krystal Jones. Currently, the state lacks essential infrastructure, such as a long-term inpatient mental-health facility for children, often forcing families to send their children out-of-state for adequate care.

Krystal Jones
Jones, a youth counselor currently stationed in South Dakota, has been vocal about this disconcerting trend. “No family member should have to be apart from their loved ones, which can cause abandonment trauma to the child,” she asserts, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll this separation takes on families. Her plea comes at a critical time, as many South Dakotan children are being relocated to states like Georgia and Missouri for treatment, separating them from their core support systems.
While Avera Health offers a short-term mental health facility where children can stay for one or two weeks, this is far from adequate for complex cases that require long-term intervention. The urgency of establishing a long-term facility is underscored by the growing demand for mental health services, both regionally and nationally. This concern is echoed in the mental health strategy discussions across the state, even as it continues to navigate the challenges of limited resources and increasing needs.
The current governor, Kristi Noem, a notable figure in South Dakota’s political landscape, has made strides in various areas but has faced criticism for what some perceive as insufficient focus on youth mental health. Though her recent budget proposal includes $1.2 million in additional funding for regional mental health facilities, none of it is earmarked specifically for children. Critics, including Jones, argue that strategic allocations can and should include dedicated funds for the younger demographic.
Jones suggests that innovative approaches, such as wilderness therapy, could provide a dual benefit for South Dakota’s youth. “We live in a beautiful state, and it would show our children how nature has healing benefits, both physically and mentally,” she proposes. This idea is not without merit, given the state’s abundant natural resources, including the iconic Badlands National Park and the rolling Black Hills.

Gov Kristi Noem
South Dakota, known for its commitment to community values and rugged individualism, finds itself at a crossroads. Addressing mental health is part of a broader effort to ensure the well-being of future generations, a task that requires collaboration between government entities, healthcare providers, and communities.
Meanwhile, Jones’s call for better pay for childcare and mental health facility workers accentuates another layer of the systemic issue. High turnover rates impede the continuity of care, further destabilizing already vulnerable children. With low hourly pay prevailing, attracting and retaining qualified staff remains a challenging endeavor.
As mental health continues to be a paramount concern, the state must also address adult mental health care, illustrated by the full capacity of the Lewis and Clark Behavior Health Services center in Yankton. “If we are seeing more youth needing mental-health care, can we not see how this will lead to more adult bed shortages in the future if we don’t help them now?” asks Jones, highlighting the potential ripple effect of neglecting youth mental health.
In a landscape marked by evolving needs, South Dakota can draw inspiration from its cultural ethos and natural resources to forge solutions that can have lasting impacts. As Krystal Jones and others continue their advocacy for comprehensive mental health solutions, it becomes clear that a multifaceted approach is essential. The state’s ability to mobilize resources, drawing from its intrinsic values and collective spirit, may well become the catalyst for transformative change in mental health care.
Krystal Jones’s dedication to the cause, her role as a youth counselor, and her advocacy work illustrate the grassroots energy that can drive policy change and community involvement. Her vision for a robust mental health framework for future South Dakotans resonates with an ongoing commitment to both valuing and investing in the state’s youngest residents.
For those interested in supporting Krystal Jones’s efforts or seeking information on her proposals, she can be reached through her advocacy organization.Email Krystal Jones

Avera
With the collective work of committed individuals and the community, South Dakota stands poised to address these vital issues and redefine its landscape of mental health care for children.