​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Office of Children's Mental Health (OCMH) supports Wisconsin's children in achieving their optimal mental health and well-being. By encouraging collaboration across child and family service systems in Wisconsin, including state agencies, nongovernment mental health programs, advocates, and people with lived experience, OCMH supports children's mental health system improvements.​

Annual Report/Fact Sheets




Social Connectedness

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Youth & Family Voice




​​News and Events​​​​​


New: Extracurriculars & Youth Mental Health Fact Sheet


Extracurriculars are organized activities that teach important life skills, which in turn bolster kids’ well-being and improve their lifetime outcomes.​​

Research confirms when kids participate in organized activities, they have better self-esteem, resiliency, grades, and are
more engaged in school. 

Learn more about the benefits​ of lessons, sports, afterschool clubs, and volunteering in our newly released Fact Sheet. ​



​Rhinelander Community Organization Creates Art Programming to Improve Well-Being


Research shows there are many benefits to participating in art activities, including preventing depression, increasing longevity, reducing stress, and supporting success in education. ArtStart, a Rhinelander nonprofit promoting art integration in their community, has been proving that.

Learn about their innovative work in this month's Showcasing Solutions publication. ​​

Young people participate in an ArtStart program. Photo by Norma Dycus Pennycuff.




Listening to Wisconsin's Students

Insights were gathered in April 2025 by students from nearly 50 high schools across Wisconsin.



  • Youth Belonging at School 
    • Youth recommend less judgement and more kind, inclusive school cultures to improve youth belonging at school.

  • Starting Early​ 
    • High school students agree that addressing mental wellness should start earlier. They share thoughts on how to address it in middle school.​




Why is it important to listen to youth?​


 Find more information on why youth voice is important in our recent Data Bite.













If you have difficulty accessing our materials, or using our website, please let us know by emailing OCMH@wi.gov​
We take digital accessibility seriously and welcome the opportunity to remove any barriers in accessing content.


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Do you need help now? Call, text or chat​ 988​ Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Find additional resources at our Support for Families page.