Child playing on playground

Children’s Behavioral Health

MCFI Children’s Behavioral Health, a part of MCFI’s Behavioral Health program, aims to assist children (ages birth to 12) and families struggling with mental health concerns, behavioral challenges, traumatic experiences, and parenting. 

Watch the video below to learn more about the program.

About the program

MCFI’s Behavioral Health Services expanded its services to treat children who are experiencing mental health issues in 2022.

According to a March 2022 study published in JAMA Pediatrics, the number of children ages 3-17 diagnosed with anxiety grew by 29 percent and those with depression by 27 percent. The study suggests that the stress, anxiety and grief associated with the pandemic has played a significant role in the need to expand mental health care for children.

“The need for accessible mental health care is ever-present and growing,” said John Chianelli, vice president of MCFI’s Behavioral Health Services. “We are grateful for the support we receive from Children’s Wisconsin and Milwaukee County’s Birth to Three programs to help improve access and strengthen children’s mental health care in our community.”

MCFI’s Behavioral Health Services is one of the largest mental health care providers in southeastern Wisconsin, providing evidence-based peer support services with a trauma-informed approach.

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U.S. youth (ages 6-17) experience a mental health disorder each year

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Wisconsin residents ages 12-17 have depression

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consider attempting suicide — up nearly 60% from a decade ago

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experienced sexual violence in 2021 — up 20% since 2017

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of HS students attempted suicide one or more times in 2021

Meet our child therapists

MCFI Behavioral Health child therapist Dennyse Snyder

DENNYSE SYNDER, MSW, LCSW

Child Therapist – MCFI Behavioral Health

Jessica Donato vertical photo, child psychotherapist at CFI

JESSICA DONATO, MSW, APSW

Child Therapist – MCFI Behavioral Health

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Who We Serve

Children ages up to 12.

Therapy session explained

What We Offer

Therapy and counseling for children experiencing a mental health challenge, crisis or trauma.

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Contact Info & Location

Office Hours

Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Phone: 414-937-2106

Fax: 414-937-2021

Email: info@cfihope.org

Office Location

2020 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53233