School Community Partnership for Mental Health

The School Community Partnership for Mental Health (SCPMH) at Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is based on best practices for collaboration between schools and community mental health providers.  

This model supports students with beginning and/or unmet mental health concerns that extend beyond what can be addressed by school support staff. It increases access to early intervention in schools, which can improve outcomes for students. 

Overview 

The partnership is designed to: 

• Deliver community-based mental health services to students in need 
• Provide therapeutic services in school, at home, or at the agency (as appropriate) 
• Improve communication between school staff and community mental health providers 
• Provide school staff, families, and students with mental health awareness training and better access to resources 
• Reduce the stigma of mental health services for youth 
   

Financial Costs 

For Families 

Providers bill insurance or Medicaid and collect co-pays. However, services are not based on the ability to bill insurance or the ability to pay, and agencies will work with families if costs are an issue. 

For Schools 

There are no direct costs to schools, but schools are responsible for in-kind costs. These include a private space for providers' service delivery, phone and Internet access, and staff/administrator time for meetings and professional development. 

For Agencies 

To the extent possible, providers bill for insurance reimbursement. Agencies are responsible for non-billable costs, such as parent presentations, staff training, participation in school functions/events, and staff consultation. When available and allowable, grant funds can assist agencies with covering these costs. 
 

Participating MPS Schools

Current Partners 

The following agencies provide services in schools: 

• Children's Wisconsin  
• Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan 
• Mental Health America of Wisconsin 
• Sebastian Family Psychology Practice, LLC 
• Sixteenth Street Community Health Center 

The following organizations provide support for the partnership: 

• MPS Foundation: Collects and maintains donations to continue the work of SCPMH 
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee: Partners in providing care in after-school spaces 
• Medical College of Wisconsin: Provides ongoing professional development to SCPMH clinicians and conducts program evaluation 
• Rogers InHealth: Provides technical support and assistance to partners 
   

How You Can Help 

There are two ways to get involved: 

1. Make a donation by visiting the MPS Foundation donation site and selecting “School Community Partnership for Mental Health” from the dropdown menu. Donations support non-billable services, including parent workshops, staff training, therapist participation in open houses and school conferences, and consultations with school staff. 
2. Visit the Coalition for Expanding School-Based Mental Health in Wisconsin to learn more about statewide efforts to increase access to school-based mental health services. Join their mailing list to stay up to date on the latest news. 
    

More Information  

If you have any questions, please contact: 

Charlie Bauernfeind, SCPMH School Coordinator 
Email: bauernc@milwaukee.k12.wi.us  
Phone: (414) 874-5861 

Jyl Ellmaker, SCPMH School Coordinator 
Email: ellmakjm@milwaukee.k12.wi.us  
Phone: (414) 874-5869