Mental Health and Social Work

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Making Space for Healthy Minds

Mental health and social connection are priority areas in Wauwatosa’s 2023-2027 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Visit our CHIP to learn how you can get involved in making Wauwatosa a healthier community.

Suicide and Crisis Line

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support for anyone experiencing a suicidal, mental health, or substance use crisis.

People of all ages who need help for themselves or a loved one can access the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by:

  • Calling 988 (multiple languages)
  • Sending a text message to 988 (English only)
  • Using the chat feature at 988lifeline.org (English only)

Available 24/7 and in over 180 languages, 211 WI is a comprehensive database and call center of community resources that provides information and referrals for:

  • Counseling and support groups
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Resources
  • Healthcare services and more

Call 911 for emergencies such as life-threatening situations or medical crises.

Firearm Safety

The Wauwatosa Health Department provides free gun locks 24/7 through a public health vending machine located outside City Hall, near the employee entrance.

Live Today, Put It Away provides resources on firearm safety and suicide prevention, offering safe gun storage tips and interactive maps to find free gun lock locations in WI.

Wauwatosa Social Workers

The City of Wauwatosa has three social workers to help address mental health concerns in our community. There is one social worker shared across the Health, Police, and Fire Departments, and two youth mental health social workers who assist youth through partnerships with our public and private schools.

They help with navigating resources, accessing treatment, and improving mental health. For more information or help, visit our social work webpage.

Milwaukee County Mental Health Resources

Take Action to Support Mental Health Efforts

Learn to recognize suicide warning signs and how to help with QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Gatekeeper Training, led by a certified trainer. Open to anyone who wants to help prevent suicide.

Join Grand Avenue Club – a community program that supports adults with mental illness through employment, education, housing, and social opportunities. Membership is free, voluntary, and lifelong. To join, you must be 18+, have a mental health history, attend a tour, complete an intake, and participate in daily activities.

Social Work

In early 2022, the City of Wauwatosa allocated a portion of it’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to implement programs to address mental health concerns in the community. These programs included hiring social workers to improve resource navigation, treatment access, and overall mental health outcomes. If you or someone you know needs assistance with resources or treatment, please contact one of our social workers below.

Police, Health, and Fire Social Worker

The Social Worker works collaboratively with the Health, Fire, and Police Departments. Referrals are made to the Social Worker by each of these departments, as well as by members of the community. The Social Worker is able to meet with individuals to assess their needs, refer them to services or resources in the Milwaukee County area, and maintain follow-up case management contact with Wauwatosa residents as needed.

Youth Mental Health Social Worker

In September 2022, the Health Department hired a full-time Youth Mental Health Social Worker to assist youth in Wauwatosa through partnerships with the Wauwatosa School District and private local schools. This social worker is focused on addressing the negative effects of the pandemic on youth mental health. The social worker conducts mental health assessments, assists with referrals to treatment and other mental health resources, and provides education to students, teachers, and families on a variety of mental health topics. In January 2023, another Youth Mental Health Social Worker was hired. Learn more about the programming put on by the Youth Mental Health Social Workers.

Common social work focus areas

 

Contact information

Email: [email protected]

Fax: 414-471-8483

Social Work Community Resource Brochure

 

Zoe Rezner, MSW, LCSW

Youth Mental Health Social Worker

Office phone: 414-831-5541

Cell phone: 262-202-9864

 

Pa Chee Lee, MSW, LCSW

Youth Mental Health Social Worker

Office phone: 414-479-8979

Cell phone: 262-202-9861

Youth Mental Health Social Workers Brochure