What Is CTSS?

Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS) is a Minnesota Medicaid-funded mental health service designed for children and adolescents who experience emotional disturbance or behavioral challenges that interfere with daily functioning at school, home, or in the community.

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CTSS services are:

Skills-Focused, Goal-Driven Support

Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS) is a skills-focused, goal-driven mental health service that helps children build practical tools to manage emotions, behavior, and daily challenges. CTSS supports students in real-life settings like school by teaching coping, social, and self-management skills that improve learning, relationships, and overall well-being.

Individually tailored to each student’s mental health needs

Each CTSS service plan is individually tailored to meet a student’s unique mental health needs, strengths, and goals. This personalized approach ensures supports are meaningful, effective, and aligned with the student’s academic, social, and emotional development.

Provided by trained mental health professionals

CTSS services are provided by trained and qualified mental health professionals who have experience supporting children with emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs. These professionals use evidence-based strategies and work closely with school staff and families to ensure students receive consistent, high-quality care.

Designed to support functioning across environments including school

CTSS is designed to help students use their skills in all areas of their lives, including the classroom, home, and community. By providing support in the school setting, students can practice coping, social, and behavioral skills in real-life situations where they are needed most.

Why CTSS Is Important in Schools

Schools are often the first place where emotional and behavioral challenges appear, but many students struggle to access consistent mental health support due to limited providers, scheduling issues, long waitlists, and missed class time. By offering CTSS services on campus, schools can provide early intervention and real-time skill-building in academic and social settings, reduce classroom disruptions, and improve student engagement. CTSS focuses on teaching students practical coping, emotional regulation, and behavioral skills—helping them succeed proactively rather than reacting only during crises or disciplinary situations.