On-Site Counseling Centers at Elementary Schools
Caring for the Mental Health of our Students & Families
The School District of Menomonee Falls is committed to the health and wellbeing of our students and school community. We are proud to offer a comprehensive array of supports and services for our student body that includes a team of professionals including therapists, counselors, social workers, nurses and other specialized staff who care for our students and make sure that they can reach their full potential.
Through our partnership with Wellpoint Care Network, a community provider specializing in school based mental health, the School District of Menomonee Falls operates onsite mental health clinics at Valley View Elementary, Riverside Elementary, Shady Lane Elementary, and Ben Franklin Elementary. The purpose of these clinics is to provide our students and families access to therapeutic mental health support services that complement district provided services. This functions as an outpatient clinic providing individual and family therapy, as such, the student’s insurance is the primary method of payment for these services.
Therapy services can support students who may be struggling with:
- Anxiety and depression
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Grief and loss issues
- Inattention and executive functioning challenges
- Self-Image and Self-esteem
- Peer relationships and social skills
We encourage you to access this professional counseling opportunity if you think that your child or family would benefit from gaining tools to help with many of the challenges we face in our lives today. Wellpoint Care Network therapists are available to schedule appointments both during the school day and some limited after hours.
To schedule an appointment or consultation, please contact your school counselor or Rachel Garlock, Clinical Supervisor at Wellpoint Care Network: rgarlock@wellpoint.org; 414-345-7609
Meet Our Therapists
Michelle Fox, MS, LPC, works with families on concerns ranging from behavioral problems (school/home), anxiety, anger management, and social skills; to trauma, attachment, abuse and neglect. Her background includes experience in residential settings, day treatment, in-home, and outpatient, as well as school-based services. She works from a trauma informed, person centered approach, believing that early interactions and experiences shape how we navigate our world. Building a strong collaborative relationship and utilizing a strength-based approach, Michelle works with children and families to foster meaningful change.
Darlene Shea MA, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience working with children ages 3 and older, adolescents, adults, and families. Her experience includes assisting clients and their families with behavioral issues, parenting issues, life changes, anxiety, depression, anger, self-esteem, abuse, social skills, and a variety of trauma issues. The approaches she uses most often include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Play Therapy with the younger clients. She uses a variety of approaches in her treatment to best meet each individual client’s need. Darlene has previously provided child and family therapy in an outpatient setting and has worked with young children in a variety of settings and roles for over 20 years. She is currently a child and family therapist in a school-based setting in Menomonee Falls School District. She has a passion for helping children and families and truly believes “It takes a village”, family, school, and community resources working together to help children overcome obstacles and reach their fullest potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where are the clinics located?
The Wellpoint Care Network school-based clinic is located within the school in a confidential office space. Each school has designated a space for Wellpoint to use for therapy services.
- What are the clinic hours and when are services provided?
Wellpoint school-based clinics operate the same hours as the school day. We are able to meet in the hour before and the hour after school to help accommodate family meetings and initial intake meetings. At this time, all services are delivered virtually via telehealth.
- What age must my child be to receive services?
Any child enrolled in school is eligible for our clinic-based services k4-12th grade. In Menomonee Falls, we serve the four elementary schools.
- Does the clinic provide services to families or just students?
Family participation in services is not only allowed, but strongly encouraged. Family members can attend a therapy session or participate in a treatment meetings and families are regularly consulted throughout their child’s services.
- Is there a cost associated with services at the clinic?
Yes. Wellpoint Care Network is an independent mental health service provider. Clinic fees are billed to the child or family's insurance or through an out-of-pocket rate.
- What type of insurance is accepted at the clinic?
Wellpoint Care Network accepts Medicaid, Medicaid HMO’s, and private insurance for payment. SaintA is enrolled as a provider in the largest insurance plans including Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Children’s Community Health Plan, Trilogy, Molina, and United Health Care/United Behavioral Healthcare, Humana, Beacon, Tricare, Aetna and is in the credentialing process for several of the small HMO’s.
- Is the information about my child’s care shared between Wellpoint Care Network and other school professionals?
Information can only be shared with the school after a Release of Information consent form is signed by the parent and youth age 14 and older. Wellpoint Care Network prefers to be a collaborative partner with the school, teachers and administration and would only share information that is agree upon by youth, parent and therapist to support the student.
To discuss other questions or schedule an appointment, please contact Rachel Garlock, rgarlock@wellpoint.org