Community Access to Recovery Services (CARS)
* Serving adults living with substance use & mental health disorders.
24-Hour Crisis Line
Call (414) 257-7222 text to 988, or chat via www.988LIFELINE.ORG now if you believe you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis.
About CARS
For over 30 years, the Community Access to Recovery Services (CARS) 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.
Access Locations
A mental health, substance abuse, or co-occurring disorder crisis can be very frightening. Knowing where to turn for help can improve you or loved one 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 a 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 to 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. Make a Referral.
Milwaukee County CARS
1230 W. Cherry St.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53205
414-289-6085
[email protected]
Sirona Recovery
205 W. Highland Ave.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203
414-552-8079
Westcare Wisconsin Clinic
2821 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414-263-6000
[email protected]
Wisconsin Community Services
3732 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53205
414-290-0400
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 other organizations to help improve wellness and decrease the stigma of mental health, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.
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.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) programs may include:
Residential Treatment
Outpatient Treatment
Day Treatment
Medication Assisted Treatment
Mental Health Programs may include:
CBRF - Community Based Residential Facilities
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.
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. Care management programs may include:
Crisis Case Management (CCM) / Targeted Case Management (TCM)
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) TCM
Comprehensive Community Services (CCS)
Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) - Spanish version
Community Support Program (CSP)
Recovery Support Coordination (RSC)
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 community-based resources for success.
These programs can include:
Individual Placement Services (IPS)
Individual Placement Services (IPS) (Spanish)
Peer Specialist Services
Spiritual Support
Supported Employment
Parenting Assistance
Anger Management
Domestic Violence Services
Clubhouse
Drop-in Centers
Physical Health Monitoring
In addition to the Recovery Support Services offered through CARS, we believe 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.
Contact Us
Address: 1230 W. Cherry Street, Milwaukee, WI 53205
Phone: (414) 289-6085
Email: [email protected]