Marshfield Clinic Accepting Applications for Two School-Based Youth Mental Health Programs

Friday, May 1st, 2026 -- 11:00 AM

Marshfield Clinic is now accepting applications for two school-based youth mental health programs open to eligible schools across the Marshfield Clinic service area.

b.e.s.t.® Universal Screening is an innovative online screening tool designed to assist educators in fostering the emotional health of students while identifying those who may require additional behavioral support.

Developed by school psychologist Eric P. Hartwig, Ph.D., b.e.s.t. offers educators straightforward, positive strategies to help students thrive in their school environment.

Life Tools is an early-intervention, skill-building program that equips students with practical coping and social-emotional skills through structured, facilitated group sessions with caregiver and school engagement.

The two programs serve distinct but complementary roles: b.e.s.t. Universal Screening helps schools proactively identify students (and provide high level support to teachers and school administration) who may need behavioral health support, while Life Tools provides a targeted, skill‑building intervention for students who would benefit from additional support.

Together, they create a prevention‑to‑intervention continuum that addresses needs early and reduces escalation. This is the 12th year Marshfield Clinic has offered b.e.s.t. and the seventh year for Life Tools.

“For more than a decade, Marshfield Clinic has been a trusted partner with school districts in delivering early, preventive behavioral health support through strong school and community partnerships across the region,” said Jay Schrader, senior director of Marshfield Clinic Community Relations. “The increased the attention on student mental health in recent years amplifies the need for programs Like b.e.s.t. and Life Tools to support students’ well-being."

Some local District eligible to receive the grant are located in Chippewa, Clark, Eau Claire, Jackson, Marathon, Marquette, Monroe, Oneida, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Richland, Rusk, Sawyer, Shawano, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vernon, Vilas, Washburn, Waupaca, Waushara or Wood. Both opportunities are now available through one streamlined application. Apply here: https://redcap.link/bestandLifeTools.

For the 2025-26 school year, 37 schools received the b.e.s.t.® platform and 30 schools received Life Tools. The programs include technical support, training, consultation and ongoing assistance.

Since 2013, Marshfield Clinic has championed the implementation of b.e.s.t. Universal Screening across 89 school districts, positively impacting more than 600,000 screeners complete and 12,000 educators and staff.

During the 2024–2025 school year, the Life Tools program expanded this impact by serving 285 students through 59 completed group sessions. All applications are due by May 8th, 2026 Awardees will be notified by May 22nd, 2026

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.