Overview
In 2010 Milwaukee County began work to redesign the community’s behavioral health system. Private health systems, community health centers, community leaders, advocates, individuals with lived experience and experts in behavioral health have contributed to the redesign every step of the way. Our process included input from hundreds of community members. We established a goal to create a system less reliant on inpatient and institutional care, that meets people where they are with streamlined services, better access, culturally-competent care, No Wrong Doors and emphasizes proven practices like holistic and trauma informed care, stigma reduction and racial equity.
Milwaukee County has provided inpatient behavioral health services for more than 100 years. The Mental Health Complex was built more than 40 years ago to care for individuals with behavioral illness who, at the time, were expected to permanently reside in this facility. Since that time, best practices in care and laws have changed. Today, the Mental Health Complex is out of date, impacting service and patients.
Today, Behavioral Health Services (BHS) has expanded community-based behavioral health programs and services for residents in Milwaukee County. This approach has been so successful that inpatient hospital admissions have declined. Building a community-based system of care is a national best practice model. Partnering with our health systems and our community health centers will increase access to high-quality behavioral health services and reduce inpatient admissions.
The closure of the Mental Health Complex does not change Milwaukee County’s commitment to Behavioral Health Services or the scope and quality of services available. Through the mental health redesign, Milwaukee County residents can now access behavioral health services closer to home at more locations across the county instead of traveling to one location.
We are focused on improving access to care in the most underserved and vulnerable communities. In Milwaukee County, we believe that by achieving racial equity, Milwaukee will be the healthiest county in Wisconsin.
The redesign of Milwaukee County’s mental health system is a collective effort made possible because of our partnerships. Our BHS employees are vital partners in this process and in our future. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley issued this proclamation thanking BHS Employees for their commitment.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, call our crisis line right away, any day, any time.
(414) 257-7222
Mobile Teams
Crisis Assessment Response Team (CART)
CART teams consist of a behavioral health clinician and a trained law enforcement officer who partner together to co-respond to behavioral health crisis calls in the community. When on site, CART provides assessment and stabilization services and works to assist the individual in obtaining voluntary treatment as an alternative to being involuntarily detained or arrested.
You can always call 911 or Non-Emergency Services:
Locations
Crisis Resource Centers
The community-based Crisis Resource Centers offer a 24/7, short-term (up to two weeks) alternative to emergency room or inpatient hospitalizations.
Access Points
A behavioral health, substance use 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:
M&S Clinical Services:
(414) 263-6000
2821 Vel R Phillips Ave., Ste. 210
Impact:
(414) 649-4388
6737 W. Washington St., Ste. 2225
Community Health Centers