New Teen Mental Health Resource Launched in Wisconsin

The WOSTA Teen Mental Health Resources hub is available for free at https://www.wosta.org/teen-mental-health-resources. Dr. Kelsie-Marie Offenwanger, a pediatric psychologist at Marshfield Clinic, emphasized, “Parents, educators, and youth-program professionals want to support young people, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming. This resource brings trusted tools together in one place so adults and teens can more easily find practical strategies, credible information, and pathways to additional help.”

The need for such resources is highlighted by data from the 2023 Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which found that 59 percent of high school students faced at least one mental health challenge in the past year. Notably, 51.6 percent reported experiencing anxiety, while 35 percent dealt with feelings of hopelessness for two weeks or more, and 20.9 percent indicated non-suicidal self-harm.

Wisconsin’s youth mental health challenges are severe, with suicide being the second leading cause of death among young people, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The agency continues to monitor suicide-related data and emphasizes the need for prevention and support.

The hub covers crucial topics such as emotional regulation, healthy relationships, social media wellness, stress management, and crisis support. It offers connections to trusted mental health organizations and resources tailored for both parents and youth-serving professionals. The initiative aims to address an identified gap in resources available for middle- and high-school students, focusing on tools that foster emotional regulation, relationship building, and positive leadership skills.

Funded by a federal Pediatric Mental Health Care Access grant through the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health, the project arrives at a critical time as national discussions surrounding youth mental health intensify, particularly after a significant settlement involving Meta and its impact on children and adolescents. Wisconsin is projected to receive between $219 million and $313 million from this settlement, which may support mental health services, crisis intervention, and digital wellness education.

WOSTA’s hub includes a dedicated section for Social Media Wellness, providing tools for families to navigate social media’s effects on mental health while promoting safer digital habits. Linda Hall, director of the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health, stated, “Supporting youth mental health requires all of us: families, schools, after-school programs, health professionals, and communities. Young people need environments where they feel connected and supported, and the adults in their lives need reliable tools to help create those environments.”

While the resource is intended to enhance support, it does not replace professional mental health care. Those facing an urgent mental health or suicide crisis are encouraged to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.