BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension is partnering with Rising Hope Counseling to offer up to five free mental health counseling sessions for farmers and ranchers, their immediate family members, and agribusiness professionals.

To apply for this Agriculture Behavioral Health Voucher program, visit the program page .

Andrea Bjornestad , SDSU Extension Mental Health Specialist, said cost is one of the biggest barriers to people seeking mental health support. Access is another.

This voucher program seeks to weaken those barriers for one of the state’s most vulnerable occupations. Rising Hope, in addition to having 27 physical locations across the state, offers telehealth services.

“People can choose the location or can choose to receive the counseling via teleheal

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