Youth Crisis Stabilization Facility Opens in Milwaukee
New residential mental health treatment option
The first of three planned youth crisis stabilization facilities funded by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is now open in Milwaukee. Under a grant from DHS, Milwaukee County is partnering with Wisconsin Community Services to operate a six-bed facility for boys ages 13 to 17 with mental health needs, who without immediate assistance may need to be admitted to a hospital.
“With our community partners, we are building a new option along the continuum of care to help ensure a more appropriate alternative and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations,” said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “For too long, youth experiencing a non-life-threatening mental health crisis have been taken to hospitals. Youth crisis stabilization facilities provide a safe, home-like alternative for youth to receive the support they need to cope with, and recover from, tough times in healthy ways.”
DHS also is funding the development and initial operations of two other youth crisis stabilization facilities. These will provide care for boys and girls ages 17 and under. Eight beds in Wausau operated by North Central Health Care and four beds in Ashland operated by Ashland County are expected to open by the end of the year.
The opening of the Milwaukee facility is the culmination of more than three years of work to create this new facility type in Wisconsin, with DHS authorized to establish this service in the 2017-2019 state budget.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin Department of Health Services
DHS Confirms Additional Cases of Measles in Oconto County, Indicating Community Spread
Aug 22nd, 2025 by Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesAll Wisconsinites urged to check vaccination status
Possible Measles Exposures in Wisconsin from Out-of-State Traveler
Aug 19th, 2025 by Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesDHS sharing public locations, asking residents to watch for symptoms and check their vaccine status
New DHS Data Show School Year Vaccination Rates Held Steady for 2024-2025 School Year
Aug 4th, 2025 by Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesParents are urged to get children protected before the new school year starts