Funding Cuts Threaten Wisconsin Youth Mental Health Programs

Programs Face Elimination as State Budget Prioritizes Other Areas

Wisconsin schools are grappling with a surge in youth mental health crises, yet crucial funding for support services is under threat. The situation endangers initiatives designed to help children manage rising rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, creating an urgent need for solutions.

A Personal Struggle

At Alma Elementary in western Wisconsin, Tristan Lorenz, 14, was in a Zoom meeting discussing new medication with his psychiatrist, parents, school counselor, and principal. During the meeting, Tristan experienced distressing thoughts. He recalled feeling overwhelmed, asking himself why he was there, and even considering self-harm.

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Nationally, there has been a concerning increase in mental health challenges among young people. A recent report indicates that in 2023, one in ten high school students attempted suicide (CDC 2023).

The State of Crisis

Christine Lorenz, Tristan’s mother, witnessed her son’s distress during the call. Schools are on the frontlines of this mental health battle. This reality is further highlighted by the tragic events in Madison, where a school shooting resulted in loss of life and underscored the critical need for mental health support.

Samantha Phillips, Auburndale School District’s mental health coordinator, could lose her job due to potential funding cuts. Programs offering school-based therapy are also threatened. The Racine Unified School District’s school-based therapy program, which started in 2015, now has mental health clinics in nine schools, each with a full-time therapist, serving more than 350 students each year.