Next Step Clinic Moves to Centers for Independence 

The Next Step Clinic, providing Autism screening and other supportive programs, has relocated operations to Centers for Independence main campus at 2020 W. Wells Street in Milwaukee. The clinic helps families in Milwaukee who have concerns about the mental health and developmental health of their children.  

“The Next Step Clinic team is excited about this move and the potential of collaborating and augmenting CFI’s existing Children’s and Developmental Health services,” said Dr. Amy Van Hecke, Marquette University Professor of Psychology and Director of Research at Next Step Clinic. “Autism impacts 1 in 36 children, and many families in Milwaukee have difficulty accessing critical services. This move enables Next Step Clinic to serve more families and help them access care from CFI and other supportive avenues.”

Next Step Clinic opened in 2019 thanks in large part to an award from Marquette University’s President’s Challenge, under the late President Michael Lovell. 

“I know Dr. Lovell would be thrilled, proud and supportive to see Next Step Clinic growing and partnering with CFI to better serve families,” said Van Hecke. 

Autism Screening, Support & More 

Next Step Clinic offers screening, evaluation, and the medical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for children. The clinic offers in-person and telehealth appointments and aims to make services accessible for all.  

Next Step Clinic is a graduate-level practicum training site, training future mental health professionals (clinical and school psychology), nurses, and medical providers in the services offered through Next Step’s community-centered, community-academic partnership. 

Helping Families in Need 

Next Step Clinic primarily serves families experiencing barriers to accessing services, which may include race/ethnicity, income, geographical constraints, refugee status, foster care/child welfare involvement, and other reasons. The clinic serves families with children aged 15 months to 10 years; however, the focus is on early identification and early intervention. If multiple children in a family need autism evaluation, and any of the children are over the age of 10, the team will do its best to also evaluate the older children in the family. 

Next Step Clinic aims to make services accessible to all. Families will not be charged or will be charged the least amount possible, according to need. The clinic serves Milwaukee families who are eligible for/receive public assistance, BadgerCare and/or Medicaid.  

Requests & Referrals 

Parents & Caregivers should call 414-209-3631 or email help@nextstepclinic.org to request service. Include the child’s age, your concerns, and phone number. Alternately, download the referral form, complete, scan/take a picture of it and email it to help@nextstepclinic.org. 

Educators, Case Managers, Advocates, Mental Health Professionals, Medical Providers should complete the referral form and obtain a Release of Information Form. Email completed forms to help@nextstepclinic.org. 

Visit https://cfihope.org/programs-services/childrens-behavioral-health for more information.