MENTAL HEALTH
As of July 1, 2025, we have a new team of Rural Mental Health Specialists who are all available as resources for our rural communities in Minnesota. Through a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Region Five Development Commission, we are proud to have this unique resource available. As farmers, we are known for our work ethic and strong sense of pride. Coping and dealing with stress is vital and we want to help be part of the solution by connecting people to resources that can help. Here is a link to a brochure about our Farm Business Management program, which includes info on how to contact our rural mental health specialists.
Additionally, here is a link to a tri-fold brochure with information strictly on rural mental health.
Monica McConkey, MA, LPC brings over 30 years of experience in the rural mental health sector, working with both youth and adults across a broad spectrum of emotional and psychological challenges. Raised on a farm herself, she has a deep understanding of the unique presses faced by those in agriculture. Monica is deeply committed to supporting farmers, their families, and agricultural industry partners in recognizing, managing, and navigating the stresses associated with life and work in the agricultural sector. Monica McConkey can be reached by phone at 218-280-7785 or visit her website for additional information https://www.eyesonthehorizon.org/.
Tracie Rutherford Self, PhD, LPCC-S has spent over 25 years working in mental health, supporting individuals and families through life’s toughest seasons. Raised in a coal mining town in West Virginia, she has lived in the heart of Midwest farming country for almost three decades. Tracie understands the grit, values, and challenges of rural life. Her work focuses on trauma, stress, and suicide prevention – especially among farmers and those tied to the land. Tracie partners with communities, ag organizations, and first responders to bring real-world mental health support to rural Minnesota. Tracie can be reached by phone at 507-514-7057 or by e-mail at tracie.rutherford-self@cultivating-grit-counseling.com.
Jennifer Vaughn, MS, LMFT has been providing mental health services in rural communities to individuals, families and couples since 2009. She has experiences with youth and adults who have a wide variety of experiences, backgrounds, and needs. She looks forward to collaborating with farmers and agricultural communities. Jennifer can be reached by phone at 218-820-6626 or by e-mail at jennifervaughn@acquirementalhealth.com.
National Mental Health Resources:
Beginning mid-year in 2022, a new 3-digit dialing code (988) was established nation-wide to reach crisis support. Calls, texts and online chats are supported, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. Anyone experiencing mental health-related distress (suicide, mental health, and/or substance use crisis) can call, chat or text 988 for free and confidential support. When you connect to 988 from a Minnesota area code or zip code (for chat), you will be routed to one of the four Lifeline Centers supported by the Minnesota Department of Health. To learn more, visit https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/suicide/988/systems.html.
Additional Stress and Crisis Resources:
Visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for a listing of other stress and crisis related resource on its website at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/about/mnfarmerstress/copingstress.