USD-Sioux Falls Expands Mental Health Support for Students

Graduate students in USD's social work program provide free counseling services to support growing demand on campus.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The University of South Dakota has expanded mental health services for students at its Sioux Falls campus through a partnership between the university's Master of Social Work program and the USD Student Counseling Center. Graduate students in the MSW program provide free counseling services to USD-Sioux Falls students as part of their practicum education, helping to address the growing need for accessible mental health support on college campuses.

Why it matters

With an increasing demand for mental health resources across college campuses, the partnership between USD's MSW program and the USD-Sioux Falls campus aims to reduce barriers to care, promote early intervention, and foster a culture of mental wellness. The availability of these free, on-campus counseling services can improve student well-being, academic success, and long-term coping skills.

The details

The MSW students serving as counselors at USD-Sioux Falls gain valuable hands-on experience through the partnership, building practical skills, cultural humility, and professional confidence. Meanwhile, USD-Sioux Falls students can access free, convenient mental health support to navigate academic, social, and personal challenges. The partnership is designed to strengthen access to high-quality behavioral health services and create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help.

  • The USD-Sioux Falls campus has offered the free mental health counseling services since the MSW program was relocated to the Sioux Falls campus in 2022.
  • The partnership between the MSW program and the USD Student Counseling Center was established to coincide with the program's move to Sioux Falls.

The players

Jay Perry

Vice president of USD-Sioux Falls, who recognized the growing need for mental health services on the Sioux Falls campus and collaborated with the MSW program to establish the partnership.

Kelly Bass

Associate professor and chair of the departments of social work and addiction counseling & prevention at USD, who oversees the MSW students providing counseling services at USD-Sioux Falls.

Sunita Gajmer

A current MSW student serving as a student counselor at USD-Sioux Falls, who has gained valuable hands-on experience and developed a passion for mental health practice through the partnership.

Brandi Shaull

A current MSW student serving as a student counselor at USD-Sioux Falls, who appreciates the convenience and accessibility of the on-campus mental health services for busy students.

University of South Dakota (USD)

The public research university that has expanded mental health resources for its students in Sioux Falls through the partnership between the MSW program and the USD Student Counseling Center.

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What they’re saying

“Mental health counseling isn't really an optional student service on a college campus anymore. It's a key component of making sure our students are positioned for success.”

— Jay Perry, Vice president of USD-Sioux Falls (siouxfalls.business)

“The mental health resource and partnership at USD-Sioux Falls is designed to strengthen access to high-quality behavioral health support for students. Through collaboration with campus services, it offers counseling, education, crisis support and referral pathways that are timely, coordinated and person-centered.”

— Kelly Bass, Associate professor and chair of the departments of social work and addiction counseling & prevention at USD (siouxfalls.business)

“I think it's great that USD prioritizes mental health in a way that creates 'students helping students.' I also believe that convenience plays a role for a busy student seeking out mental health services. In this way, it's amazing that USD has facilitated a way for students to find mental health support right here on the Sioux Falls campus.”

— Brandi Shaull, MSW student and student counselor at USD-Sioux Falls (siouxfalls.business)

What’s next

The partnership between the USD MSW program and the USD-Sioux Falls campus is expected to continue, with the goal of expanding awareness of the free mental health counseling services and ensuring all students on the Sioux Falls campus know they can access this support.

The takeaway

The collaboration between USD's MSW program and the USD-Sioux Falls campus demonstrates the university's commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of its students. By providing free, accessible counseling services through graduate student practitioners, USD is helping to reduce barriers to care and foster a culture of mental wellness on its Sioux Falls campus.