Mental Health and Well-being

The World Health Organization defines Mental health as, “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”

Mental health promotion strategies include implementing and enhancing public policy, creating supportive environments, strengthening community action, building resilience, and advancing health services to enhance health. Ramsey County provides activities and programs that foster positive mental health to help and prevent mental illness, highlighting the benefits of mental health promotion.

There are many protective factors that can promote good mental well-being, these are:

• Supportive relationships and social connectedness
• Social, emotional and life skills of coping with stresses of daily life
• Healthy lifestyle, such as exercise, sleep and nutrition
• Healthy environment, housing, nature, community
• Understanding the mental health system
• A space you feel valued and engaged; including having a community, culture connection and/or faith

No two people take the same path to recovery and wellness. Ramsey County can help you find resources and support to live an independent, full and meaningful life in your community.

We will talk with you about your life and the challenges you face every day. We can provide connections to services and resources that will put you on a path to healing.

Ramsey County's Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics provide comprehensive behavioral health services, both directly and through contracts with private agencies. People who have insurance, public health care, such as medical assistance, or are without insurance can find help.

Whether you need short-term assistance or ongoing support to help sustain your recovery, Ramsey County can work with your strength, resilience and desire to get better.

Children's mental health

• Crisis line: 651-266-7878
• Children's mental health services

Adult mental health and behavioral health

• Crisis line: 651-266-7900
• Adult mental health and behavioral health services

Chemical health services

• The Detox Center is located in the 402 University Avenue East building.
• Staff can be reached at 651-266-4009

Saint Paul - Ramsey County promotes and supports healing, wellness and recovery to all Ramsey County residents. The following organizations provide mental health and substance use disorder services across the service spectrum, from prevention, early intervention and treatment, to recovery. These services are provided directly or through partnerships with community-based agencies.

• Ramsey County and community-based agencies providing mental health services

The Mental Health Advisory Council represents adults with mental illness, an organic disorder of the brain or a clinically significant disorder of thought, mood, perception, orientation, memory, or behavior that seriously limits their capacity to function in primary aspects of daily living. 

• Learn more about the mental health advisory council

The Children’s Mental Health Advisory Council represents families with a child who has an emotional disturbance or a severe emotional disturbance, an organic disorder of the brain, or a clinically significant disorder of thought, mood, perception, orientation, memory or behavior. The condition seriously limits a child’s capacity to function in primary aspects of daily living. 

• Learn more about the Children's Mental Health Advisory Council

Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health (SPRCPH) has an authentic community engaged Mental Health and Wellness Action Team that informs the work of our department in responding to the integrated health care needs of Saint Paul - Ramsey County residents and greater communities. Ramsey County Mental Health and Wellness Action Team (MHWAT) is one of 5 SPRCPH Community Health Improvement Goals. The goal of CHIP Mental Health is Improve mental health/ mental disorders/behavioral health through prevention and by ensuring access to appropriate, quality mental health/mental disorders/ behavioral health services for all people in Ramsey County.

Three strategies of the MHWAT are:

• Increasing Collaboration and Linkages among existing organizations
• Strengthening Relationships between Safety and Mental Health
• Creating a resource hub of wellness opportunities

Learn more about the MHWAT charter