Access to timely, compassionate, mental health care can change the course of a young person’s life. Yet across Wisconsin, families often wait months for psychiatric appointments. This delay can add stress to already difficult moments, especially for children and teens whose needs can’t wait.
Now, with funding from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, SSM Health will begin to help close the gap. SSM Health Treffert Studios will lead an innovative project to expand youth telepsychiatry in Wisconsin. It builds on the SSM Health Treffert Center legacy by asking the question: What’s possible when connection replaces distance?
A model rooted in collaboration
Rather than creating a separate service, this telepsychiatry project strengthens what already works. Through structured virtual consultation, psychiatrists collaborate directly with pediatricians and advanced practice providers. They offer guidance on medication management, diagnosis, and care planning for children facing a broad range of pediatric mental health needs in the state of Wisconsin.
This approach allows children to receive care closer to home from providers they already know and trust. It also frees psychiatrists to focus on the most urgent cases, expanding access without adding staff.
A group of pediatric clinicians across SSM Health in Wisconsin are participating. The project can potentially impact the care of more than 19,000 children. With this added support, families in Wisconsin will be able to experience faster access to the right level of care – often within their own clinic.
Technology that brings people together
By installing Vibe Boards (interactive telehealth displays), virtual visits become shared learning experiences. Psychiatrists and families can draw, write, and visualize concepts together. This makes difficult conversations about emotions, medication, or diagnosis more engaging and understandable.
The grant funding supports the development and testing of ScreenShare Psychiatry, our digital curriculum and related interactive tools. These resources will be piloted in Wisconsin for continued refinement and expanded use in the future. They are designed to help families, schools, and providers learn about common mental health conditions in simple, positive ways.
The ultimate goal for these innovative tools is to become part of a long-term interactive care model, providing impact far beyond the scope of the project.
Sustainability through learning and support
The most powerful part of this project is what it builds beyond the screen: relationships. Pediatricians gain skills and confidence to manage more cases in primary care. Psychiatrists find renewed satisfaction in teaching and innovating. Families experience fewer barriers and more consistent support.
By adding collaboration and education into everyday practice, SSM Health is creating a lasting model. A model where geography doesn’t limit care, and every child can be seen, heard, and helped when it matters most.
Carrying the legacy forward
Dr. Darold Treffert often reminded us to look for strengths first and to remain curious about what the human mind can achieve. In that same spirit, this project combines technology and teamwork to extend hope across Wisconsin and beyond. As these tools and collaborations take shape, we’ll continue to build, test, and share what we learn.
This pilot telepsychiatry project is limited to pediatric patients of participating clinicians in Wisconsin. Learn more about additional pediatric behavioral health services offered by SSM Health in the St. Louis area.
