This year, LifeCare Behavioral Health officially launched CTSS which stands for Child Therapeutic Services and Supports — inside two Roseau County schools, offering students direct access to mental and behavioral health care during the school day. The Max Foundation is helping make the program possible by funding services for under- and uninsured students.
CTSS brings a therapist and a mental health skills worker into the school environment, removing barriers like transportation, work schedules, or insurance gaps. “A big part of CTSS is removing barriers to care,” said Paula Hedlund, Director at LifeCare Behavioral Health.
The program began in Warroad before LifeCare was fully certified, with the Max Foundation helping to fund a dedicated skills worker. Early results were immediate: improved classroom behavior, stronger peer relationships, and better overall well-being.
Now that LifeCare’s certification is complete, both Warroad and Roseau Schools receive onsite services, including:
• Therapy three days a week
• Skills services two days a week
• Support available for qualifying K–12 students
Referrals can come from teachers, parents, or providers, and each student receives an individualized plan developed by a licensed therapist.
Hedlund says the long-term goal is countywide expansion. “At the end of the day, we all want what’s best for the kids. Working together has made this such a meaningful project.”
The Max Foundation’s grant support ensures that no student is turned away due to insurance limitations. “Supporting onsite mental health services is a huge benefit to the community,” Hedlund shared. “And we couldn’t do it without the support of the Max Foundation.”