Wisconsin Opens First Dedicated Emergency Mental Health Facility

Emplify Health by Gundersen has opened Wisconsin’s first dedicated emergency mental health facility, the Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing (EmPATH) unit, at its La Crosse campus. The facility, which began serving patients in April, represents a significant step forward in addressing the state’s mental health crisis by providing a specialized space for individuals experiencing psychiatric emergencies.

Under the new model, people in a mental health crisis will continue to present at the emergency room but will be quickly transferred to the EmPATH unit rather than waiting alongside other patients. The unit is designed to accommodate patients for up to 23 hours, offering immediate assessment and intervention in a calming environment. According to a press release from Emplify Health, the 5,000-square-foot facility includes eight exam rooms equipped with appropriate technology, along with dedicated spaces for comprehensive evaluations.

“We’re excited to offer yet another avenue of care for our neighbors who need support for their mental health,” said Josh Court, director of Emplify Health by Gundersen Behavioral Health. “We understand the critical need for this type of care, and Emplify Health by Gundersen is committed to leading with innovative models like EmPATH.”

Patients at the EmPATH unit will meet with a psychiatric provider within the first hour of arrival to review diagnoses, treatment plans, and medication. From there, they work with a team of behavioral health professionals to address the immediate crisis. Once stabilized, the team determines the next steps, which could include transfer to inpatient care or discharge with follow-up in outpatient programs.

Court emphasized the importance of the new space for both patients and staff. “The space is a vital tool for our staff, allowing them to provide immediate and effective care for patients in mental health crises,” he said. “This space is designed to immediately bring healing to patients, as well as facilitate quick assessments and interventions, ensuring individuals receive the support they need as soon as they arrive. Our goal is to create a safe haven where patients can feel secure and begin their journey toward recovery.”

The EmPATH model is part of Emplify Health’s broader strategy to improve access to mental health services. By providing a dedicated space and streamlined process for emergency psychiatric care, the unit aims to reduce wait times and offer better care in a setting designed for patients’ needs. The facility also serves as a resource for families and caregivers, offering guidance and support during challenging times.

Emplify Health, a not-for-profit healthcare network based in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin, operates 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinic locations across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and Iowa. The network employs more than 15,000 people, including over 1,400 clinicians. For more information about Emplify Health and its services, visit emplifyhealth.org.

The opening of the EmPATH unit underscores the growing recognition of the need for specialized mental health emergency services and could serve as a model for other healthcare systems in the region.

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