The first column I wrote for the Messenger in 2023 was about universal health care. While that hasn't happened yet, Minneapolis does offer some free mental health services. If you or someone you know needs help but cost is a barrier, these resources may be helpful.
This column highlights two agencies that I volunteered with in the past.
Sexual Violence Center, 2600 E. 25th St. Suite C, 24-hour Support Line: 612-871-5111, sexualviolencecenter.org
SVC’s website states that, “Since 1985, the Sexual Violence Center has provided community-based advocacy to victims and survivors of sexual violence. Our advocacy support is available to those residing in Carver, Hennepin, and Scott counties.” SVC also has an office in Savage.
I spoke with executive director Kenosha Alexander. Kenosha has been at SVC for seven years. When she decided to take this role, she was impressed with the spirit of activism, as well as the community-based, grassroots nature of the organization.
We toured the center, which includes a training facility, individual counseling and advocacy rooms, and staff offices. Counseling rooms provide a peaceful space where people can begin to process what happened to them. Those who come to SVC for services find an environment where, as the website says, “We believe you, no matter what, and your safety and healing – however that may look – are what ground us in this work.”
Ms. Alexander emphasized how important self-care is, not only for victims/survivors, but for volunteers and staff as well. SVC currently has 24 volunteers on staff. Volunteers must complete a 40+ hour training program. This training is offered four times a year, and is attended by 30-40 people annually.
SVC serves approximately 1,400 people each year. Services include peer-based individual counseling and legal advocacy. Medical advocates can be requested when a patient reports to a hospital emergency room after an assault. There are support groups for women, men, youth, LGBTQIA+ survivors, and people of color. A housing resource advocate assists victims/survivors who need a safe place to live. The starting point for most services is the 24-hour hotline, 612-871-5111.
SVC coordinates with other agencies who are engaged in supporting people after an assault. Shakopee Women’s Correctional Facility has two advocates who do group and individual counseling. SVC serves males in correctional facilities as well, providing trauma informed services for those who have experienced sexual assault.
Kenosha put it this way: “We are here to champion the voices of victims and survivors.” When I asked what she wanted people to know about SVC, she said she wanted people to know that all services are free. “It’s nice to know there’s someone out there who will listen, who will advocate, at absolutely no cost to you.”
Walk-In Counseling, 2421 Chicago Avenue S., 612-870-0565, walkin.org
From their website: “Walk-In Counseling Center was founded in 1969 when a group of psychologists saw an opportunity to re-imagine how mental health support could work.” Their mission is to serve unmet needs for accessible mental health counseling in our community.
I spoke with Heather Martens, Director of Development. She has been at Walk-In since 2016. I also want to recognize Gary Schoener, a founder and former executive director of Walk-In. Now he serves as director of consultation and training. His ethics training for mental health professionals are highly respected.
Walk-In is located in a large old house near Children’s Hospital on Chicago Avenue. Heather described it as a warm, comforting, welcoming, safe environment, where everyone is treated with support and respect. I could feel that when I walked in the door. They serve clients statewide and sometimes further away, including a phone call from someone in Ukraine.
Heather came to Walk-In after serving as an executive director at another nonprofit. She told me there is no typical day. “It’s very unpredictable. The only constant is that you can’t predict how many people or what issues they might facing.”
I visited Walk-In during in-person clinic hours, which are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1-3 p.m. Virtual counseling by phone or Zoom is also available during these hours. Monday through Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:30 p.m., virtual services only are available.
Walk-In’s move to all virtual services took place over about three days in 2020 when COVID became a public health emergency. All 100+ volunteers received training and kept providing mental health care. Now, in-person services are once again available.
Heather stressed that volunteers make it possible. “The people here are so wonderful. They are amazing, generous and compassionate.” Walk-In is free and open to everybody, every weekday. All clinics are run by volunteer clinicians and support staff. “It’s amazing that a small investment in this tiny staff translates into about a million dollars worth of services per year.”
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