Mental Health Resources for Single Mothers in South Dakota
South Dakota Mental Health Resources for Single Mothers (2025)
Last updated: September 2025
This is a no‑fluff, phone‑number‑first guide built for busy South Dakota single moms. It focuses on what works today in South Dakota, with real numbers, links, and timelines verified against official sources.
Quick Help Box (start here)
- Call or text 988 for immediate mental health or suicide crisis help (24/7, free, confidential). Calls from a 605 area code route to the South Dakota Helpline Center. (dss.sd.gov)
 - For local referrals (counseling, housing, food, childcare): dial 211, text your ZIP code to 898211, or email help@helplinecenter.org. (helplinecenter.org, dakotaathome.sd.gov)
 - Pregnant or postpartum and overwhelmed? Call or text the free, 24/7 National Maternal Mental Health Hotline 1‑833‑TLC‑MAMA (1‑833‑852‑6262) (English/Spanish; interpreters in 60+ languages). (mchb.hrsa.gov)
 - Need a therapist with sliding‑fee options? Call your local Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) below or use the state’s Behavioral Health Provider Search. CMHCs can help even if you’re uninsured. (dss.sd.gov, olapublic.sd.gov)
 - If there’s danger right now: call 911 and say “psychiatric emergency.” (namisouthdakota.org)
 
Why this guide is different from most search results
- Up‑to‑date 2025 income limits for South Dakota Medicaid (adult expansion, pregnancy coverage) and CHIP, with dollar amounts. (dss.sd.gov)
 - State‑specific crisis options beyond 988, including South Dakota’s short‑term crisis care centers and the Human Services Center. (sdbehavioralhealth.gov)
 - Walk‑in assessment hours where available, and direct phone numbers for CMHCs and nonprofits that actually serve single parents. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
 - Realistic timelines (Medicaid decisions are due within 45 days for most applicants by federal rule). (law.cornell.edu)
 - Plan‑B steps and “Common mistakes to avoid” after each section, so you’re never stuck at a dead end.
 
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Need | Who to contact | How | Notes | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Crisis support now | 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Call/text 988 (24/7) | Routed to SD Helpline Center when dialing from 605. English/Spanish; interpreters available. (dss.sd.gov) | 
| Local referrals (counseling, rent, food) | Helpline Center 211 | Dial 211 or text ZIP to 898211 | Free, confidential; statewide. (helplinecenter.org) | 
| Maternal mental health help | National Maternal Mental Health Hotline | 1‑833‑TLC‑MAMA (1‑833‑852‑6262) | 24/7; English/Spanish + 60 languages. Not a crisis line. (mchb.hrsa.gov) | 
| Medicaid questions or to apply | SD DSS | Online or call 877‑999‑5612 | Expansion covers adults to 138% FPL; postpartum coverage 12 months. (dss.sd.gov) | 
| Find a state‑approved behavioral health provider | SD Behavioral Health Provider Search | State search tool | Lists accredited CMHCs and SUD providers. (olapublic.sd.gov) | 
| State psychiatric hospital info | Human Services Center (Yankton) | 605‑668‑3138 or 605‑668‑3139 | Admissions and questions; crisis entry via ER/CMHC. (sdbehavioralhealth.gov) | 
South Dakota mental health snapshot (what the numbers say)
- Postpartum depressive symptoms affected an estimated 11% of South Dakota mothers in 2022 PRAMS data; screening at postpartum visits is common. (doh.sd.gov)
 - In 2023, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in South Dakota; 988 is answered locally by the Helpline Center. (dss.sd.gov)
 - South Dakota recorded 192 suicide deaths in 2022 and a decline to 180 in 2023, according to the Department of Health. (doh.sd.gov)
 
These aren’t just statistics. They explain why fast access to screening, therapy, medication, and crisis care matters—especially for single moms juggling work, childcare, and long drives for appointments.
If you need help right now (crisis paths that work)
Start with the fastest option that fits your situation.
- Call or text 988. Ask for a safety plan and local follow‑up. If you’re a veteran, press “1”. Texting works if you can’t talk. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Prefer local referrals and non‑crisis support? Dial 211, or text your ZIP to 898211 to reach the Helpline Center (English/Spanish; email available). (helplinecenter.org)
 - In‑person stabilization (no nights in the ER if it can be avoided): South Dakota short‑term crisis care centers take walk‑ins/rapid referrals 24/7:
- Rapid City – Pivot Point, 605‑343‑7262
 - Watertown – Serenity Cove, 605‑886‑0650
 - Yankton – CORE Center, 605‑665‑4606
 - Mitchell – Dakota Counseling Institute, 605‑996‑9686. (sdbehavioralhealth.gov)
 
 - State psychiatric hospital (when higher‑level inpatient care is needed): Human Services Center (Yankton). Admissions desk 605‑668‑3138 or 605‑668‑3139; general 605‑668‑3100. Families usually enter via an ER or a CMHC crisis referral. (sdbehavioralhealth.gov)
 
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Try 988 again and ask for a supervisor and a “warm transfer” to the local CMHC crisis line. Call 211 to coordinate transport or childcare help if you need it to get to a stabilization center. (helplinecenter.org)
 
Coverage and cost help: what you can qualify for (with 2025 numbers)
South Dakota covers many moms under Medicaid, including expanded adult coverage and pregnancy/postpartum coverage. CHIP helps kids through age 18, even if they have private insurance (with different limits).
2025 Medicaid & CHIP income limits (gross monthly)
| Program | Household size 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid Expansion – Adult group (ages 19–64) | $1,800 | $2,433 | $3,065 | $3,698 | $4,331 | $4,963 | 
| Pregnancy Medicaid (full coverage during pregnancy + 12‑month postpartum) | $1,800 | $2,433 | $3,065 | $3,698 | $4,331 | $4,963 | 
| CHIP – child WITH private insurance | $2,438 | $3,297 | $4,153 | $5,010 | $5,868 | $6,725 | 
| CHIP – child WITHOUT private insurance | $2,725 | $3,685 | $4,642 | $5,599 | $6,558 | $7,516 | 
Source: South Dakota DSS 2025 coverage groups and CHIP income tables. Postpartum 12‑month coverage applies for births on/after July 1, 2023. (dss.sd.gov)
Key points for single moms
- If your income is at or under 138% FPL, you should qualify for Medicaid expansion as an adult. The 2025 HHS poverty guideline for a household of 1 is 15,650∗∗peryear;13815,650** per year; 138% equals about **21,597/year (≈ $1,800/month). (aspe.hhs.gov)
 - Pregnant moms meeting the income limit get full pregnancy coverage plus 12 months postpartum coverage. Newborns are covered for their first year if mom had Medicaid at delivery. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Many CMHCs provide sliding‑fee care if you’re uninsured or between coverages; some services may be available at no cost at lower income levels. (dss.sd.gov, dakotaathome.sd.gov)
 
How to apply fast
- Apply online for Medicaid/CHIP (and SNAP if needed): SD DSS portal. Or call 877‑999‑5612 to get help. Keep copies of everything you upload. (dss.sd.gov)
 - By law, Medicaid eligibility decisions must be made “promptly and without undue delay,” generally within 45 days for most applicants (up to 90 days if disability is involved). (law.cornell.edu)
 
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Call the DSS Constituent Liaison at 800‑597‑1603 or email DSSConstituentLiaison@state.sd.us to troubleshoot your case (billing issues, replacement card, PCP changes). (dss.sd.gov)
 
Where to get therapy and psychiatric care (state‑approved, sliding‑fee options)
South Dakota contracts with 11 accredited Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs). These agencies accept Medicaid and offer sliding‑fee options; many have mobile crisis, care coordination, and telehealth.
Community Mental Health Centers (primary contacts)
| CMHC | Main phone | Notes | 
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Behavioral Healthcare (Sioux Falls) | 605‑336‑0510 | Sliding‑fee; multiple locations; children’s and adult services. (southeasternbh.org) | 
| West River Mental Health (Rapid City & western counties) | 605‑343‑7262 | Formerly Behavior Management Systems; multiple locations. (wrmentalhealth.org) | 
| Capital Area Counseling Services (Pierre) | 605‑224‑5811 | Mobile crisis response in central SD. (dakotaathome.sd.gov) | 
| Community Counseling Services (Huron & region) | 605‑352‑8596 | Serves several east‑central counties. (dss.sd.gov) | 
| Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health (Yankton/Vermillion) | 605‑665‑4606 | Walk‑in assessments M–F; 24/7 crisis line 800‑765‑3382; CORE crisis center. (dakotaathome.sd.gov) | 
| Brookings Behavioral Health & Wellness | 605‑697‑2850 | Outpatient therapy; telehealth options. (dss.sd.gov) | 
| Northeastern Mental Health Center (Aberdeen) | 605‑225‑1010 | “No one denied due to inability to pay;” sliding‑fee available. (nemhc.org) | 
| Human Service Agency (Watertown) | 605‑886‑0123 | Adult and youth services; regional coverage. (dss.sd.gov) | 
| Southern Plains Behavioral Health (Winner) | 605‑842‑1465 | Outpatient services; telehealth. (dss.sd.gov) | 
| Three Rivers MH/CD Center (Lemmon) | 605‑374‑3862 | Serves Perkins/Corson/Ziebach. (dss.sd.gov) | 
| Dakota Counseling Institute (Mitchell) | 605‑996‑9686 | Outpatient + crisis stabilization site. (dss.sd.gov, sdbehavioralhealth.gov) | 
Find your county’s assigned agency and phone on the state map if you’re not sure which one serves you. (dss.sd.gov)
Real‑world example
- You live in Vermillion and need counseling after a tough breakup and two job changes. Walk into Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health’s Vermillion site between 8:00 am–5:00 pm (CT), Mon–Fri, or call 605‑624‑9148 to start. If money is tight, ask for the sliding‑fee application. (helplinecenter.org)
 
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Call 211 and ask for “the nearest CMHC with same‑day intake,” or use the state’s Behavioral Health Provider Search to find another nearby program (telehealth can bridge long drives). (helplinecenter.org, olapublic.sd.gov)
 
Crisis stabilization without the ER: short‑term centers you can use
If nights in the ER keep you or your teen from getting stable care, these Appropriate Regional Facilities (ARFs) offer overnight crisis stabilization and connect you to ongoing care:
| Center | City | Phone | 
|---|---|---|
| Pivot Point | Rapid City | 605‑343‑7262 | 
| Serenity Cove | Watertown | 605‑886‑0650 | 
| CORE Center (with 24/7 line) | Yankton | 605‑665‑4606 | 
| Dakota Counseling Institute | Mitchell | 605‑996‑9686 | 
All operate 24/7. Ask 988 or your CMHC to refer you. (sdbehavioralhealth.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Call 988 and request a “warm transfer” to the Helpline Center for help arranging transport/childcare or a direct handoff to the center. (dss.sd.gov)
 
Maternal mental health: pregnancy through the first year postpartum
Start here (fastest)
- Call or text 1‑833‑TLC‑MAMA (1‑833‑852‑6262) for free, 24/7 support, information, and referrals. Not a crisis line; use 988 for danger. (mchb.hrsa.gov)
 - For peer support, call or text Postpartum Support International’s HelpLine 1‑800‑944‑4773 (text: English 800‑944‑4773; Español 971‑203‑7773). (postpartum.net)
 
What the data says in South Dakota
- In 2022, 11% of SD moms reported postpartum depressive symptoms (stable trend over 5 years). Screening at postpartum visits is common; in 2022, 91.2% of moms at a postpartum visit were asked about feeling down or depressed. (doh.sd.gov)
 
Coverage you can use
- South Dakota Medicaid covers eligible pregnant women during pregnancy and for 12 months postpartum (for births with postpartum period starting on/after July 1, 2023). Newborns of Medicaid‑enrolled moms are covered through their first birthday. Income limit is the same table as adult group (138% FPL). (dss.sd.gov)
 - BabyReady Whole Pregnancy Care (for Medicaid members under 32 weeks): ask your OB to submit the BabyReady opt‑in; you’ll get help connecting to mental health services, transportation, and more. (dss.sd.gov)
 
WIC can help, too
- South Dakota WIC provides nutrition support and can refer for postpartum depression screening and services. State office: 605‑773‑3361 or 1‑800‑738‑2301; find local clinics by county. (fns.usda.gov, sd.gov)
 
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Ask your CMHC for a same‑day screening, or use 211 to locate a perinatal‑trained therapist who takes Medicaid. If you’re American Indian/Alaska Native, contact Oyate Health Center Behavioral Health in Rapid City (605‑718‑5095) for integrated care, or your IHS Service Unit. (oyatehealth.com)
 
Insurance and telehealth: getting care without a long drive
- Parity protections: If your plan covers mental health, it can’t have stricter rules than for other medical care (e.g., tighter visit limits, tougher pre‑auth). New federal parity rules begin applying to many job‑based plans in 2025 (and to individual plans in 2026). If you hit a wall, ask your plan for its “MHPAEA NQTL comparative analysis.” (dol.gov, cms.gov)
 - Telehealth in South Dakota Medicaid: psychotherapy counts as “face‑to‑face” when delivered by live video; audio‑only behavioral health is covered in limited situations if video isn’t possible (document why). CMHCs and many licensed clinicians can bill telehealth. (cchpca.org)
 - Language access: 988 offers English/Spanish, with interpreters for 250+ languages; 211 also supports Spanish and has email options if phone is hard. (dss.sd.gov, doh.sd.gov)
 
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Switch modality—ask for phone or video if transport or childcare is the issue, or in‑person if privacy at home is the problem. If your insurer denies a claim that would be covered for a medical visit, cite MHPAEA and appeal in writing. (dol.gov)
 
Local nonprofits that single moms often use (counseling and advocacy)
- NAMI South Dakota: free peer and family support groups (in‑person and Zoom). Info line 605‑271‑1871 or 800‑551‑2531; national Helpline 800‑950‑NAMI. (namisouthdakota.org)
 - The Compass Center (Sioux Falls): trauma‑informed counseling for sexual and domestic violence; office 605‑339‑0116. For immediate crisis, call 1‑877‑IN‑CRISIS. (thecompasscenter.org)
 - Catholic Social Services (Rapid City/West River): sliding‑fee counseling (telehealth statewide). 605‑348‑6086. (cssrapidcity.com)
 - Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota (statewide programs including counseling and the Center for New Americans): 605‑444‑7500 or 800‑568‑2401. (lsssd.org)
 - WAVI (Rapid City): domestic violence/sexual assault shelter + counseling. Crisis line 605‑341‑4808 (toll‑free 1‑888‑716‑9284). (wavi.org)
 
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Call 211 and ask for “closest sliding‑fee counseling today” or for safe‑housing if violence is involved. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
 
Tribal and urban Indian resources (Great Plains Area)
- Great Plains Area IHS (Aberdeen Area Office): 605‑226‑7581 (referrals and facility contacts). (ihs.gov)
 - Oyate Health Center Behavioral Health (Rapid City): integrated primary + behavioral health for eligible AI/AN; appointment line 605‑718‑5095. No cost for many services for federally recognized tribal members. (oyatehealth.com, 988search.helplinecenter.org)
 - Great Plains Tribal Leaders’ Health Board behavioral health initiatives (suicide prevention, opioid response, culturally rooted supports). (greatplainstribalhealth.org)
 
Plan B
- If local IHS is backed up, ask your CMHC about state funding assistance pending IHS referral, or use 988 for 24/7 crisis support while you wait. (dss.sd.gov)
 
Veterans and military families (moms who served)
- VA Black Hills Health Care System: mental health appointments 800‑743‑1070 ext. 17349 (same‑day help available). Crisis: 988, then press 1. (va.gov)
 - Sioux Falls VA Health Care System: main 605‑336‑3230; enrollment 844‑788‑3822; mental health info and same‑day care available. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
 
Plan B
- If VA access is delayed, ask your local CMHC about short‑term therapy via sliding‑fee, then transition back to VA when scheduled. (dss.sd.gov)
 
Regional pointers (save time by calling the right place first)
- Sioux Falls area (Minnehaha/Lincoln/Turner/McCook): Southeastern Behavioral Healthcare 605‑336‑0510; The Compass Center 605‑339‑0116 (trauma). (southeasternbh.org, thecompasscenter.org)
 - Rapid City/West River (Pennington, Lawrence, Meade, Custer, Fall River, Oglala Lakota): West River Mental Health 605‑343‑7262; WAVI crisis 605‑341‑4808. (wrmentalhealth.org, wavi.org)
 - Aberdeen/Northeast (Brown/Spink/Marshall/Day/Edmunds): Northeastern Mental Health 605‑225‑1010. (nemhc.org)
 - Watertown/Glacial Lakes (Codington/Clark/Grant/Deuel): Human Service Agency 605‑886‑0123; crisis stabilization at Serenity Cove 605‑886‑0650. (dss.sd.gov, sdbehavioralhealth.gov)
 - Pierre/Central (Hughes/Stanley/Lyman/Haakon): Capital Area Counseling 605‑224‑5811 (mobile crisis available). (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
 - Yankton/Vermillion/Southeast: Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health 605‑665‑4606 (walk‑in assessments, CORE Center 605‑655‑4373). (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
 
Application Checklist (Medicaid/CHIP and sliding‑fee care)
Bring or upload these to speed things up.
- Photo ID (driver’s license, tribal ID, or other government ID).
 - Proof of South Dakota residency (lease, utility bill, mail).
 - Proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, employer letter, unemployment benefit letter).
 - Pregnancy verification (if applying for Pregnancy Medicaid).
 - Birth certificates or Social Security numbers for children (if applying for CHIP).
 - Insurance card (if any).
 - For sliding‑fee at CMHCs: recent pay stubs and household size info; ask for the clinic’s sliding‑fee form. (dakotaathome.sd.gov, nemhc.org)
 
Common mistakes to avoid (learned from moms across the state)
- Waiting for things to “calm down” before you apply. If your income is fluctuating, apply now—Medicaid uses current monthly income.
 - Missing mail/portal messages from DSS. Set reminders to check weekly; respond to any “verification needed” messages immediately. Decisions are generally due within 45 days by federal rule—delays often happen when verifications are missing. (law.cornell.edu)
 - Not listing every household member (or shared custody child) on the application—this changes your income limit.
 - Forgetting to ask for sliding‑fee or state funding at your CMHC when uninsured. Many centers won’t volunteer this unless you ask. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Skipping postpartum care. Postpartum Medicaid lasts 12 months; use it to get screened and treated. (dss.sd.gov)
 
Realistic timelines
- 988/211: immediate response; crisis centers available 24/7. (dss.sd.gov, helplinecenter.org)
 - Walk‑in assessments: available at specific centers (e.g., Lewis & Clark in Yankton/Vermillion) during posted hours. Others can often do same‑week intakes by phone/telehealth. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
 - Medicaid/CHIP: decision due within 45 days for most applicants (up to 90 days for disability‑based). If you don’t hear back, call DSS or the Constituent Liaison. (law.cornell.edu, dss.sd.gov)
 
Documents, rules, and how to apply (by program)
South Dakota Medicaid (Adult Expansion, Pregnancy, Low‑Income Families)
Most important action: apply online now (it’s okay if some documents follow).
- Where to apply: SD DSS online application; or call 877‑999‑5612 for help. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Income limits: see the 2025 table above (adult and pregnancy coverage to 138% FPL). Newborns of Medicaid moms are covered to age 1. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Postpartum coverage: 12 months for births with postpartum period starting on/after July 1, 2023. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Cost‑sharing: South Dakota eliminated most recipient cost‑sharing in 2024; ask your provider to confirm. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Processing time: generally within 45 days (up to 90 if disability‑based). (law.cornell.edu)
 
Required documents: see Application Checklist above.
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Call the Constituent Liaison 800‑597‑1603; ask for help resolving holds/verifications and to confirm your case status. (dss.sd.gov)
 
South Dakota CHIP (children and teens)
Most important action: apply even if you have private insurance—limits differ and may still cover your child.
- Income limits (monthly): with private insurance up to 5,010∗∗(HH4)orwithoutprivateinsuranceupto∗∗5,010** (HH4) or without private insurance up to **5,599 (HH4); see full table above. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Coverage includes mental/behavioral health and substance use services for kids.
 
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Call 211 for CMHC youth options; for after‑hours crises, use 988 or ask your CMHC about crisis stabilization for youth. (sdbehavioralhealth.gov)
 
Perinatal and postpartum supports you can call today
| Service | What it does | Contact | 
|---|---|---|
| National Maternal Mental Health Hotline | 24/7 free counseling, support, and referrals for pregnant/postpartum moms. | 1‑833‑TLC‑MAMA (1‑833‑852‑6262) (call/text). (mchb.hrsa.gov) | 
| Postpartum Support International | Peer support, SD volunteers, online groups; HelpLine returns messages daily. | 1‑800‑944‑4773; text 800‑944‑4773 (EN) / 971‑203‑7773 (ES). (postpartum.net) | 
| WIC (state office & local clinics) | Nutrition + referrals; can connect you to mental health screening/services. | 605‑773‑3361 / 1‑800‑738‑2301; county clinic finder online. (fns.usda.gov, sd.gov) | 
| BabyReady (SD Medicaid) | Whole‑pregnancy care coordination; provider opt‑in. | Ask your OB to submit BabyReady opt‑in; questions via DSS. (dss.sd.gov) | 
Diverse communities: getting care that fits your family
- LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask your CMHC for clinicians with LGBTQ+ training; 988 is LGBTQ+‑affirming. NAMI also lists LGBTQ+ crisis resources (Trevor Project: 1‑866‑488‑7386; text “START” to 678678). (namisouthdakota.org)
 - Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: CMHCs coordinate with schools and pediatric providers; ask about care coordination and telehealth accommodations. For Medicaid disability pathways, timelines may be up to 90 days. (law.cornell.edu)
 - Veteran single mothers: You can get same‑day mental health at VA Black Hills or Sioux Falls VA; crisis: 988, press 1. If you’re not enrolled, VA can still help in crisis. (va.gov)
 - Immigrant/refugee single moms: Lutheran Social Services offers counseling and interpreter services; call 605‑444‑7500. 988 and the Maternal Hotline have language support. (lsssd.org, mchb.hrsa.gov)
 - Tribal‑specific resources: Oyate Health Center Behavioral Health (605‑718‑5095) provides culturally grounded care; IHS Great Plains can direct you to Service Units. CMHCs can be a bridge while you wait. (oyatehealth.com, ihs.gov)
 - Rural single moms with limited access: South Dakota Medicaid covers psychotherapy via live video; audio‑only may be covered when video isn’t possible—ask your provider to document why. Many CMHCs do telehealth and home‑based visits. (cchpca.org)
 - Single fathers: All services here apply; CMHCs and 988 serve everyone.
 - Language access: 988 supports English/Spanish and 250+ additional languages via Language Line; 211 supports Spanish and email/text access. (dss.sd.gov, doh.sd.gov)
 
Real‑world scenarios (step‑by‑step)
Scenario 1: Postpartum anxiety in Sioux Falls, uninsured
- Today: call 1‑833‑TLC‑MAMA for immediate guidance and a referral, then dial 211 to find same‑week counseling with sliding‑fee. (mchb.hrsa.gov, helplinecenter.org)
 - This week: apply for Pregnancy Medicaid if eligible (income at or under $2,433 for HH2), which also gives 12 months postpartum. Ask your OB to enroll you in BabyReady. (dss.sd.gov)
 - If wait‑listed: ask Southeastern Behavioral (605‑336‑0510) about telehealth openings and short‑term skills groups. (southeasternbh.org)
 
Scenario 2: Teen in crisis in Watertown, mom can’t miss work
- Call 988 and ask for local crisis support; request a referral to Serenity Cove stabilization. Follow up with Human Service Agency (605‑886‑0123) for ongoing care. (sdbehavioralhealth.gov, dss.sd.gov)
 
Scenario 3: Domestic violence and panic in Rapid City
- If unsafe, call WAVI’s 24‑hour crisis line 605‑341‑4808. For therapy, contact West River Mental Health (605‑343‑7262) or Catholic Social Services (605‑348‑6086) sliding‑fee telehealth. (wavi.org, wrmentalhealth.org, cssrapidcity.com)
 
Tables you can screenshot
Table A — fast crisis contacts
| Service | Phone/Text | Link | 
|---|---|---|
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 988 (call/text) | 988 info — SD DSS (dss.sd.gov) | 
| Helpline Center (211) | 211; text ZIP to 898211 | Helpline Center contact (helplinecenter.org) | 
| Maternal Mental Health Hotline | 1‑833‑TLC‑MAMA (1‑833‑852‑6262) | HRSA Hotline FAQ (mchb.hrsa.gov) | 
| NAMI South Dakota | 605‑271‑1871 / 800‑551‑2531 | NAMI SD contact (namisouthdakota.org) | 
| Human Services Center (state hospital) | 605‑668‑3138 | HSC page (sdbehavioralhealth.gov) | 
Table B — Medicaid & CHIP 2025 monthly income limits (most common sizes)
| Household | Adult Expansion | Pregnancy Medicaid | CHIP (with PI) | CHIP (no PI) | 
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,800 | $1,800 | $2,438 | $2,725 | 
| 2 | $2,433 | $2,433 | $3,297 | $3,685 | 
| 3 | $3,065 | $3,065 | $4,153 | $4,642 | 
| 4 | $3,698 | $3,698 | $5,010 | $5,599 | 
Source: SD DSS medical programs page (2025). (dss.sd.gov)
Table C — CMHC crisis stabilization centers (24/7)
| City | Center | Phone | 
|---|---|---|
| Rapid City | Pivot Point | 605‑343‑7262 | 
| Watertown | Serenity Cove | 605‑886‑0650 | 
| Yankton | CORE Center | 605‑665‑4606 | 
| Mitchell | Dakota Counseling Institute | 605‑996‑9686 | 
Table D — maternal mental health options (quick scan)
| Option | Best for | Contact | 
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 maternal mental health support | Immediate talk/text support and referrals | 1‑833‑TLC‑MAMA (English/Spanish; interpreters) (mchb.hrsa.gov) | 
| Peer support & SD volunteers | Non‑crisis support, local resources | 1‑800‑944‑4773 (PSI HelpLine) (postpartum.net) | 
| Pregnancy Medicaid & postpartum coverage | Coverage during pregnancy + 12 months postpartum | Apply via DSS; see income table above. (dss.sd.gov) | 
| WIC | Nutrition + referrals to care | 605‑773‑3361 / 1‑800‑738‑2301 (state office); county clinics online. (fns.usda.gov, sd.gov) | 
Table E — domestic/sexual violence counseling (selected)
| Organization | Region | Phone | 
|---|---|---|
| The Compass Center | Sioux Falls metro | 605‑339‑0116 (office); crisis 1‑877‑IN‑CRISIS (thecompasscenter.org) | 
| WAVI | Rapid City/Black Hills | 605‑341‑4808 (24‑hour); 1‑888‑716‑9284 toll‑free (wavi.org) | 
| Helpline Center | Statewide referrals | 211 / text ZIP to 898211 (helplinecenter.org) | 
Reality checks, warnings, and tips
- Expect waitlists at times. Ask for “first available across locations” and telehealth to widen your options. Many CMHCs serve multiple counties and can see you at a different site or by video.
 - If you’re denied Medicaid or CHIP, appeal in writing and keep seeing your CMHC using sliding‑fee until resolved. Decisions generally can’t exceed 45 days for most applicants; ask why if it’s slower. (law.cornell.edu)
 - Private insurance barriers (e.g., unusual prior authorization, network issues) may violate mental health parity rules—cite MHPAEA and request the plan’s “comparative analysis” for the barrier they’re applying. (dol.gov)
 
What to do if nothing here seems to fit
- Call 211 and explain your exact situation (work hours, childcare, transport, language). Ask for “the nearest CMHC with same‑week intake and sliding‑fee” and for help coordinating any transportation or childcare resources.
 - If you’re overwhelmed and can’t make calls, text 988 first; ask the counselor to stay on the line while connecting you to a local provider (“warm transfer”). (dss.sd.gov)
 
Sources (selected, verified August–September 2025)
- South Dakota DSS – Behavioral Health and county provider map; crisis and CMHC network; short‑term crisis care centers; Human Services Center (contacts). (dss.sd.gov, sdbehavioralhealth.gov)
 - South Dakota DSS – Medicaid & CHIP income limits and postpartum 12‑month coverage; BabyReady program. (dss.sd.gov)
 - 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines (ASPE). (aspe.hhs.gov)
 - 42 CFR 435.912 – processing timelines (45/90 days). (law.cornell.edu)
 - SD DOH – PRAMS 2022 postpartum data brief; Suicide Data & Reports. (doh.sd.gov)
 - Helpline Center 211 contact and services. (helplinecenter.org)
 - 988 in South Dakota (DSS). (dss.sd.gov)
 - HRSA National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. (mchb.hrsa.gov)
 - Telehealth coverage in SD Medicaid (CCHP summary of DSS manuals). (cchpca.org)
 - CMHC sliding‑fee examples (Northeastern Mental Health; Southeastern Behavioral). (nemhc.org, dakotaathome.sd.gov)
 
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
This guide uses official sources from South Dakota Department of Social Services, South Dakota Department of Health, HRSA/HHS, and established nonprofits. It follows our Editorial Standards and is regularly reviewed. We are not a government agency and we cannot guarantee individual application outcomes.
Last verified September 2025; next review April 2026.
Questions or corrections? Email info@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer
Program rules, phone numbers, and clinic hours can change. Always verify eligibility, amounts, and timelines with the relevant agency before you apply or travel. This guide is for general information only and is not legal, medical, or financial advice. For your privacy and safety, do not share sensitive personal details by text or email unless you trust the recipient and the channel is secure. If you believe your safety is at risk, call 911 or 988 immediately.
Security note: Our site uses secure connections and links directly to official agencies when possible. Still, always double‑check that any form you submit shows “https” and belongs to an official domain (for example, “sd.gov”, “dss.sd.gov”, “doh.sd.gov”, or “hrsa.gov”).
🏛️More South Dakota Resources for Single Mothers
Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in South Dakota
- 📋 Assistance Programs
 - 💰 Benefits and Grants
 - 👨👩👧 Child Support
 - 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
 - ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
 - 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
 - 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
 - 🎓 Education Grants
 - 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
 - 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
 - 🔧 Job Training
 - ⚖️ Legal Help
 - 🚗 Transportation Assistance
 - 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
 - ⚡ Utility Assistance
 - 🥛 WIC Benefits
 - 🏦 TANF Assistance
 - 🏠 Housing Assistance
 - 👶 Childcare Assistance
 - 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
 - 🚨 Emergency Assistance
 - 🤝 Community Support
 - 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
 - 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
 - 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
 - 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
 - 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
 - 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
 - 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
 - 👩💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
 - 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
 - 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
 - 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
 - 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
 - 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery
 
