Milwaukee County Opens Crisis Stabilization Houses to Expand Mental Health Services

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) Behavioral Health Services (BHS) announced today the opening on April 1, 2024, of two newly remodeled Crisis Stabilization Houses (CSH). These stabilization houses are part of the restructuring by BHS of the provision of behavioral healthcare services for county residents along a continuum that includes services in outpatient clinics, residential treatment facilities, mobile units, the Mental Health Emergency Center (MHEC), and the Granite Hills psychiatric hospital. The goal of CSH is to provide short term crisis intervention services between 60 to 90 days (but in no event more than 6 months) for persons experiencing mental health crises.

“As we envision a healthier future for Milwaukee County, we must ensure that folks can receive the help they need. That’s why my administration is expanding mental health and substance use services throughout our community,” said County Executive Crowley. “The newly renovated Crisis Stabilization Houses will increase access to intervention resources and supportive services for those experiencing mental health challenges in Milwaukee County, so we can create better health outcomes, strengthen neighborhoods, and save lives.”

The CSH will be operated by Quest Behavioral Healthcare under contract to BHS. Formed in 1977 as Bell Therapy, Quest provides residential treatment services for persons experiencing mental health illnesses in 33 group homes throughout southeastern Wisconsin. The two Crisis Stabilization Houses are located in the City of Milwaukee at 1141 North 46^th Street (Martin House) and 5544 North 57^th Street (Silverlawn House). Information on admission criteria required to access CSH services is available at www.cshmke.com.

Upon arriving at one of the Crisis Stabilization Houses, the client will undergo a biopsychosocial assessment by trained clinical staff. Based on the assessment, an individualized plan of care will be prepared for them, including psychotherapy and medication therapy. CSH are not equipped for psychiatric emergencies.

According to BHS Administrator Mike Lappen, “The provision of mental health services has undergone dramatic changes in recent years in order to ease reliance on emergency and inpatient care while enhancing the range of community-based mental health services.”  Lappen added that, “CSH are an important part of those continuing changes.”

Referrals may be made by calling the Crisis Stabilization Line at 414-269-8081 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. seven days per week. In the alternative, referrals may be made online by filling out and submitting the PDF fillable form located at www.cshmke.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.