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Posted
Wednesday,October 14, 20268:34 am
WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance (WOSTA), a program of Marshfield Clinic, has partnered with the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health to launch a new Teen Mental Health Re about young people’s mental health easier to find
According to a release from Marshfield Clinic, the one-stop online reeeking more support for school-age youth
“Family Re seeing increased concern from parents seeking guidance and support for their school-age children, underscoring the need for accessible ree before challenges become crises,” Marshfield Clinic said
The WOSTA Teen Mental Health Rehealth-re
“Parents, educators and youth-program professionals want to support young people, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming,” said Dr. Kelsie-Marie Offenwanger, Marshfield Clinic Pediatric Psychologist. “This rens can more easily find practical strategies, credible information and pathways to additional help.”
Need is reflected in data
According to the 2023 Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 59 percent of high school students reported experiencing at least one mental health challenge during the previous 12 months. More than half, 51.6 percent, reported anxiety; 35 percent reported experiencing hopelessness almost every day for two weeks or more; and 20.9 percent reported non-suicidal self-harm
Marshfield Clinic said Wisconsin’s youth mental health challenges can also have life-threatening consequences
“The Wisconsin Department of Health Services continues to track suicide deaths and circumstances among young people through state death records and the Wisconsin Violent Death Reporting System, emphasizing that as the second leading cause of death for youth, suicide as a serious public health issue and the importance of prevention, intervention and connection to support,” Marshfield Clinic stated.
The new Teen Mental Health Reducators and youth programs. Topics include emotional regulation and coping skills, healthy relationships, social media wellness, stress and mindfulness, sleep and mental wellness, bullying and cyberbullying, school-life balance and crisis support
Marshfield Clinic noted that the hub also connects visitors to trusted mental health organizations, wellness tools and resionals
The project was developed to fill an identified gap in existing resources for middle- and high-school-age youth, according to Marshfield Clinic. WOSTA’s network identified a particular need for mental health supports serving this age group, including tools that help teens regulate emotions, strengthen relationships, develop healthy boundaries, tolerate discomfort and build positive leadership skills. The project also prioritizes practical strategies adults can use when supporting teens in after-school and other youth-serving settings.
The re Mental Health Care Access grant administered by the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health
Timely re
Marshfield Clinic noted that the launch comes at an especially significant moment for Wisconsin
“In August, Meta reached a landmark national settlement with states over allegations involving the impact of Facebook and Instagram on children and teens,” Marshfield Clinic stated. “Wisconsin is expected to receive at least $219 million and potentially up to $313 million under the settlement. Potential uses identified for the funds include youth mental health services, crisis intervention, school grants, after-school programs and digital wellness education.”
That broader conversation makes resources focused on prevention and digital wellness increasingly relevant, Marshfield Clinic said. WOSTA’s new hub includes a dedicated Social Media Wellness section with tools to help young people and families understand social media’s relationship to mental health and develop safer, healthier and more balanced digital habits. It also includes resources addressing cyberbullying, online safety and screen use for parents and caregivers.
“Supporting youth mental health requires all of us: families, schools, after-school programs, health professionals and communities,” said Linda Hall, Director, Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health. “Young people need environments where they feel connected and supported, and the adults in their lives need reliable tools to help create those environments.”
The hub is intended to support, not replace, professional mental health care, Marshfield Clinic said. Anyone experiencing an immediate mental health or suicide crisis can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
