A new study says student needs are growing, but the amount of help available at most Minnesota schools is shrinking.That's according to Minnesota 2020's study of school counselors.But as News 12's Erick Lind tells us, Mankato schools could be bucking that trend.Bill Frederickson is one Mankato school district's counselors.But in recent years he's found himself doing less counseling.And worries the trend will only get worse for students and for teachers.Frederickson says, "As counties have lost money, and they've cut back on services, as it's more and more difficult to get private services for those areas, the truth is many times they've fallen upon schools, and teachers and counselors to provide those services."The problem is that many counselors around the state aren't able to focus on those students needs.So says a recent survey by Minnesota 2020.They say cuts in state funding have forced districts to cut personnel, and use counselors to fill the voids.Minnesota 2020's John Fitzgerald says, "A lot of times they say well we don't want to cut science teachers. We don't want to cut elementary teachers. We certainly don't want to cut counselors because they have a good role to play. They end up having to cut paraprofessionals and aids and secretaries, some of the people who used to perform these duties, as far as testing."While Minnesota 2020's findings say the state ranks 49th in the nation with an 800 to 1 counselor to student ratio.MSU Professor Walter Roberts says despite those numbers Mankato is less affected thanks to a partnership with MSU.MSU Professional Counseling Program professor Walter Roberts says, "Ultimately it's about getting the school counselors the access that they need to the students and vice-versa."Even though he appreciates the help, Frederickson hopes things get better soon for all of Minnesota.Frederickson says, "This truly has to change, and I know it has to change at the state level, but until it does, it's going to get worse, and I don't want people to take this lightly."That way he can keep helping students in and out of the classroom.In Mankato, Erick Lind, News 12.