Wisconsin's School Mental Health Crisis
Wisconsin students need more support than ever, but counselors are stretched far beyond capacity. The numbers tell the story.
Counselor-to-student ratio in WI
ASCA recommends 1:250
School psychologist-to-student ratio
Severely understaffed statewide
Non-metro counties are mental health shortage areas
78% of rural WI counties
Requested by State Superintendent Jill Underly
For school mental health statewide
Wisconsin residents live in mental health shortage areas
Limited access to mental health professionals
$40M SBMHS Funding: What Wisconsin Districts Need to Know
FY2026 Allocation
Up from $25M in FY2025 — a 60% increase
FY2027 Allocation
Continued state investment in school mental health
Per-pupil allocation to ALL school districts
No application required. Funds are distributed automatically based on enrollment.
Allowable uses
Building, improving, and sustaining Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems — including tools, training, staffing, and intervention programs.
Federal Grant Terminated — State Funding Is Now Critical
On April 29, the U.S. Department of Education terminated Wisconsin's $10M federal School-Based Mental Health grant (awarded over 5 years). This makes the state SBMHS allocation the primary funding source for school mental health programs. Districts should act now to maximize their state allocation.
StoryBridge Qualifies as an Allowable SBMHS Expenditure
As a Tier 2/3 intervention tool, Story Bridge helps counselors serve more students with less time — directly aligned with the SBMHS goal of building comprehensive school mental health systems. It's an evidence-based, measurable use of your district's per-pupil allocation.
How Story Bridge Helps Wisconsin Counselors
Built by a Wisconsin school social worker — Anne, in Green Bay — who understood firsthand what it means to carry a caseload that no single person can serve alone.
Personalized Therapeutic Stories
Therapeutic stories generated for each student's specific challenges, context, and developmental level — Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions at scale.
CASEL-Aligned, FERPA Compliant
Aligned with CASEL, RULER, and Zones of Regulation frameworks. Fully FERPA and COPPA compliant. Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Proven Engagement Outcomes
73% increase in student participation. 3x content retention compared to traditional worksheets.
Designed for 376:1 Ratios
Scales individual interventions so one counselor can provide personalized SEL support to their entire caseload — not just the students in crisis.
Why Story Bridge Qualifies for SBMHS Funding
Story Bridge checks every box that Wisconsin districts need for allowable SBMHS expenditures and grant reporting.
Evidence-Based & CASEL-Aligned
Aligned with CASEL, RULER, Zones of Regulation, and recognized SEL frameworks.
MTSS/PBIS Tier 2 Support
Targeted interventions for students needing additional support beyond universal instruction.
FERPA & COPPA Compliant
Student data is protected and private, meeting federal compliance requirements.
K-8 Across Diverse Populations
Stories where kids see themselves — personalized content that serves all students.
Bilingual (English & Spanish)
Instant translation reaches your entire student population.
Measurable Outcomes for Grant Reporting
Usage analytics and engagement data to demonstrate impact and justify expenditure.
Put your SBMHS funding to work
We'll show you how Story Bridge qualifies under Wisconsin's School-Based Mental Health Services allocation — and generate a story for your caseload live.