Department of Health and Human Services
 

Adult Services (CARS)

Community Access to Recovery Services for Individuals 18 Years and Older

People participating in a group support session.

Milwaukee County has confirmed cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and more cases have been identified in the U.S. It's important that everyone take steps to reduce the spread. Find out more about COVID-19 and our ongoing response.

Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services Update in Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services is committed to the safety and needs of the individuals that we serve. We are taking the current situation with the Coronavirus very seriously and working closely with public officials and community partners to ensure access to services. Look for any changes and updates to services on the divisions' landing pages. You can also call 2-1-1 for information. IMPACT 2-1-1 provides a coordinated point for those in need.

View a Complete List of Milwaukee County and Community Partner Resources

Take the First Step on Your Journey to Recovery

Call us today for all adult services.

(414) 257-8085

Quick Links

MC3

MC3 Change Agent Meeting April 22, 2020

Helping Clients Maintain Recovery During Catastrophes and Pandemic

Presented by Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC

The opposite of addiction is connection. Traumatic crisis such as September 11, natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and pandemics like COVID-19 can exacerbate traumatic stress symptoms, increase isolation and increase the risk of relapse for clients with substance use disorders. These events can also make one more vulnerable to addiction. Topics covered in this webinar includes: the relationship between catastrophes, traumatic stress reaction and relapse; clinical strategies to reduce relapse during a crisis, such as the current pandemic; the use of technology to reduce isolation and suggestions to improve clinician self care during this troubling time.

To watch the presentation, click here

After you view the video presentation, fill out our evaluation by clicking here, and then you will receive your certificate of attendance!

Locations

CARS offers a variety of community-based locations that you or your loved one can easily visit or call.

A mental health, substance abuse or co-occurring disorder crisis can be very frightening. Knowing where to turn for help can improve your or your loved one’s chances of getting quickly connected to the necessary treatment and recovery services. CARS offers a variety of community-based access point locations that you or your loved one can easily visit or call.

The staff at each community-based access point location are specially trained to help you or your loved one begin the CARS assessment process. Working with you or your loved one, they will make recommendations for the treatment and recovery services that best meet your needs.

CARS at BHD

9455 W Watertown Plank Rd.

Wauwatosa, WI

(414) 257-8085

CARS at Impact, Inc.

6736 W Washington St.

West Allis, WI

(414) 649-4380

CARS at M&S Clinical Services

2821 N Vel R. Phillips Ave.

Milwaukee, WI

(414) 263-6000

How We Help

If you or a loved one is living with a mental health disorder, substance abuse disorder, or both, find peace-of-mind in knowing recovery is possible.

CARS specializes in helping Milwaukee County residents like you, or your loved one, get connected to the resources needed to guide and support you on the journey to recovery.

CARS's strong partnerships with trusted, local providers give you or your loved one access to treatment and recovery services that are close to home. Recovery services provide the support and education to learn how to use proven tools to take charge of your health and wellness.

 

Nurse reassuring a patient

Prevention

In many cases, a personal or family crisis occurs without warning. But that doesn’t mean the only time to think about a crisis is in the moment it is happening. There are things that you, your loved ones and even the general public can do to help prevent a crisis.

Being more aware of, informed about and educated on mental health, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders is important for crisis prevention. That’s why CARS is taking steps now to help Milwaukee County residents like you become more knowledgeable about these life challenges.

As more people have a better understanding of mental health, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, we can reduce the stigma, shame and embarrassment often felt by those in need. This, in turn, will encourage more individuals to reach out for help before a crisis occurs.

CARS also focuses on building bridges and opportunities in communities throughout Milwaukee County, working side by side with otherorganizations to help improve wellness and decrease the stigma of mental health, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.

Therapist working with patients

Treatment

On the journey to recovery, it is not uncommon for you or your loved one to participate in and work through a variety of treatment programs. These programs may include:

  • Residential treatment
  • Outpatient treatment
  • Day treatment
  • Medication assisted treatment

The treatment teams will help guide you or your loved one in identifying and managing the symptoms of the mental health, substance abuse or co-occurring disorder.

By combining both proven clinical methods (i.e., medications, if needed) with relationship building, you or your loved one will learn how to safely and comfortably function at work, home and/or in the community. Even better, the treatment process will help you or your loved one enjoy an improved quality of life that will have you feeling healthier and more satisfied.

Therapist working with patients

Care Management

To help make sure you or your loved one continues to actively participate in treatment, Care management may be needed. This includes regular contact from a specially trained care manager who will work with you or your loved one to:

  • Design a treatment and recovery plan
  • Put the plan in place
  • Monitor the plan
  • Change the plan, if needed, to achieve recovery goals

Care management is another way the CARS team puts you or your loved one at the center of care and helps you or your loved one choose the options and services that best meet your needs.

Social worker with patient and family

Recovery Support

No matter if you or your loved one is living with a mental health, substance abuse or co-occurring disorder, the CARS team believes recovery is possible for everyone. That's why CARS offers a variety of programs through recovery support services that will help connect you or your loved one with communitybased resources for success.

These programs can include:

  • Peer specialist services
  • Spiritual support
  • Supported employment
  • Parenting assistance
  • Anger management
  • Domestic violence services
  • Clubhouse
  • Drop-in centers
  • Physical health monitoring
  • And many more

In addition to the Recovery Support Services offered through CARS, CARS believes it is important for you or your loved one to also make meaningful connections with the people around you and within the community. These connections are just as important as the clinical treatment provided under our care.

Referrals

By Phone

Call BHD's CARS program at

(414) 257-8085

By Fax

Download this referral form and

fax it to (414) 454-4242

MILWAUKEE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

1220 W. Vliet St.

Suite 301

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53205

Access DHHS 

How We Help

Our Vision

Together, creating healthy communities.

Our Mission

Empowering safe, healthy, meaningful lives.

Our Values

Partnership, Respect, Integrity, 

Diversity, Excellence

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