Contact CARS
About CARS
For over 30 years, the Community Access to Recovery Services Department of Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services has proudly served adults living with substance use and mental health disorders. We provide a range of supportive services to Milwaukee County residents that are rooted in compassion and dignity. Our goal is to eliminate barriers to behavioral health services and increase our community's ability to thrive. The CARS Department strives to be a space that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive, giving everyone the freedom to be their best self.
Open AllClose All I have concerns about my services or the services my family member/loved one is receiving. Who can I talk to about this?
The first step in resolving your concerns with the service provider of you or your loved one should always start directly with that service provider. You should ask to speak to a supervisor to see if they are able to address your concerns. If your concerns are not addressed by the supervisor, you always have the right to file a grievance with that agency by meeting with their Client Rights Specialist. If your concerns are not resolved at that level, you can contact the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services Client Rights Advocate, Jennifer Pyles. She can be reached at (414) 552-6692.
How can I get a bus pass?
Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services – Community Access to Recovery Services does not provide bus passes to individuals. The GO Pass program may be an option to explore.
The GO Pass program provides discounted transit on the Milwaukee County Transit
System (MCTS) for eligible older adults or persons with disabilities. The pass allows these
eligible riders unlimited rides on MCTS buses for $2 per day. With a multitude of routes,
the Milwaukee County Transit buses can take you throughout the county. GO Pass Flyer
How do I obtain a free cell phone?
CARS does not provide free cell phones. However, a government phone may be an option.
Anyone who already participates in a state or federal assistance program is eligible for a free cell phone, or free cell phone service. When filling out the application, you will need to tell the company what type of assistance you are receiving. FoodShare, Medicaid, or BadgerCare are all examples of assistance programs. For additional information, please visit Safe Link Wireless' website.
I need assistance with bills, rent, shelter, or food programs.
Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services – Community Access to Recovery Services does not provide financial assistance for bills, housing, or food.
211 is the best resource to assist you with these types of needs. The website to search for assistance is: https://www.211.org or you can dial 211 from your phone.
What is a Three-Party Petition? How do I file a Three-Party Petition?
A Three-Party Petition is a legal document claiming that a person meets all three criteria for civil commitment (mentally ill, drug dependent, or alcohol dependent; medically treatable; and a danger to himself/herself or others). The petition must include notarized statements from three adults that describe the person’s dangerous or violent behavior. All three statements must tell about events that the witnesses have personally seen within the past 60 days leading up to the petition.
NOTE: A Three-Party Petition for an alcohol dependent person also must have sworn statements from three adult eyewitnesses to the person’s dangerous or violent behavior, but the petition follows slightly different rules. If you are trying to start a Three-Party Petition for an alcohol dependent person, you should still send in a screening form.
Please visit Three Party Petitions for more information.
Can I obtain a Personal Care Worker (PCW) or be paid/employed as a Personal Care Worker through Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services – Community Access to Recovery Services (CARS)?
CARS does not employ or provide PCWs. To obtain a PCW, the individual’s primary care doctor needs to write a prescription and insurance would then cover the cost for this service. Long-Term Care services may also be explored for coverage. If the individual in need of a Personal Care Worker is over the age of 60, contact the Department on Aging: (414) 289-6874; If the individual in need of a Personal Care Worker is age 59 and under, contact the Disability Resource Center: (414) 289-6660.
What does SPMI mean?
SPMI is the acronym for Severe and Persistent Mental Illness. Examples include Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder.
Who do I contact for a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) evaluation?
Contact the IMPACT Intoxicated Driver Program: 414.649.4380