School Based Mental Health Services

Compassionate care. Right where your child learns.

Every child deserves to feel supported, understood and cared for.

In partnership with St. Mary Parish School in Menomonee Falls, Saint Frances Cabrini School in West Bend, and Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, Catholic Charities provides licensed mental health therapists on campus, making it easier for students and families to access the support they need.

By bringing therapy to school, we're meeting families where they are – making care more convenient and reducing barriers that can make it difficult to access support.

We're here for your child. We're here for your family.

School-based mental health services are one way Catholic Charities helps children and families access compassionate, professional counseling.

If school-based services aren't available for your student, our licensed therapists also provide mental health counseling and therapy for children, teens, adults, couples and families through our community clinics. Learn more about our Mental Health Counseling and Therapy services.

When to Consider Extra Support

Every child experiences challenges from time to time. Sometimes those challenges begin to affect school, friendships, family life or everyday activities.

You may want to consider talking with a therapist if you're noticing:

Changes in mood or behavior
Ongoing worries
Difficulty at school
Challenges with friendships
Trouble coping with changes or stressful situations
Emotional struggles that continue over time

You know your child best. Early support can make a lasting difference.

Our Approach

We believe every child deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect.

We partner closely with parents, caregivers, teachers and school staff to support each child's well-being while respecting your family's privacy and honoring the unique mission and values of each school community.

Individual Support	Family Partnership	School Collaboration
Our licensed therapists create a safe, supportive environment where students can express their thoughts and feelings, build healthy coping skills, strengthen resilience and grow in confidence.	Because a child's well-being is closely connected to the health of the entire family, families also have access to Catholic Charities case management services, connecting them with resources and support that promote long-term stability and overall family wellness.	Our commitment extends beyond individual therapy. We work alongside educators and school leaders by providing mental health consultation, professional development opportunities and practical strategies that strengthen their knowledge, confidence and ability to support student well-being.

How School-Based Therapy Works

School-based therapy brings licensed mental health counseling directly to your child's school.

After receiving parent or guardian consent, students meet privately with a Catholic Charities therapist during the school day at times that minimize disruption to learning whenever possible.

Our therapists work closely with parents and caregivers throughout the counseling process and collaborate with appropriate school staff to support each student's success while maintaining professional confidentiality.

The goal is simple: helping students thrive at school, at home and in life.

Why Families Choose School-Based Therapy

Receiving counseling at school removes many of the barriers that can make accessing care difficult.

Benefits include:

Therapy in a familiar, comfortable environment
Less time away from work for parents and caregivers
Fewer transportation challenges
Earlier access to support when concerns arise
Better coordination between families, therapists and school staff
Compassionate, licensed mental health professionals

About Catholic Charities

For more than 100 years, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee has served children, families and communities throughout southeastern Wisconsin with compassion, dignity and respect.

Our licensed therapists provide professional mental health services that welcome students and families of all faith backgrounds. We are honored to partner with schools in supporting the emotional well-being and healthy development of every student we serve.

Costs and Insurance

Catholic Charities believes every child should have access to quality mental health care.

We accept many insurance plans, including Medicaid. Reduced or waived fees are available for families who qualify, so financial concerns should never prevent you from reaching out.

If you have questions about insurance coverage or payment options, we're happy to help.

How to Get Started

Getting started is easy.

Step 1: Talk with your child's teacher, school counselor or another member of your school's student support team.

Step 2: Contact Catholic Charities with any questions or to learn more about school-based mental health services.

Email: SBMH@ccmke.org

We'll answer your questions, explain the process and help determine the next steps for your family.

FAQs

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Who can receive school-based mental health services?

School-based mental health services are currently available to students attending:

St. Mary Parish School (Menomonee Falls)
Saint Frances Cabrini School (West Bend)
Marquette University High School (Milwaukee)

Does my child need a diagnosis before getting started?

No. You don't need to know exactly what your child is experiencing before reaching out.

If you're noticing changes in your child's emotions, behavior, relationships or school performance, we're happy to talk with you about whether school-based mental health services may be appropriate.

Will I be involved in my child's care?

Yes. Parents and caregivers are important partners throughout the counseling process. We work closely with families to support each student's progress while respecting appropriate professional confidentiality.

Will my child's teacher know what is discussed during therapy?

Counseling sessions are confidential.

With your permission, therapists may collaborate with teachers or appropriate school staff when it supports your child's success. Your therapist will explain confidentiality, answer your questions and discuss how information is shared before services begin.

How often will my child meet with a therapist?

The frequency of counseling sessions depends on your child's individual needs and will be determined collaboratively by you and your therapist.

Who can refer a student?

Parents or guardians, teachers, school counselors and other school staff may help identify students who could benefit from school-based mental health services. Services begin only with parent or guardian consent.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

If your child attends a school where Catholic Charities provides School-Based Mental Health services, you can start by speaking with your child's teacher, school counselor or another trusted member of the school staff about whether therapy may be a good fit for your child.

You can also email SBMH@ccmke.org and a member of our School-Based Mental Health team will be happy to assist you.