Wisconsin’s First Dedicated Emergency Mental Health Facility Opens in La Crosse
Emplify Health by Gundersen opens EmPATH, the state’s first emergency mental health facility, providing dedicated crisis care within 23 hours.
Emplify Health by Gundersen has opened Wisconsin’s first dedicated emergency mental health facility, the Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing (EmPATH) unit, at its La Crosse campus. The facility began serving patients in April, marking a significant step in addressing mental health crises in the state.
The EmPATH unit provides a specialized environment for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies. Patients will continue to enter through the emergency room but are quickly transferred to the new unit, where they can stay for up to 23 hours to receive comprehensive care. This model aims to reduce wait times and improve outcomes by offering immediate, tailored support.
“We’re excited to offer yet another avenue of care for our neighbors who need support for their mental health,” said Josh Court, director of Emplify Health by Gundersen Behavioral Health. “We understand the critical need for this type of care, and Emplify Health by Gundersen is committed to leading with innovative models like EmPATH.”
The 5,000-square-foot unit features eight exam rooms equipped with technology and resources for assessments and interventions. The calming atmosphere is designed to promote safety and comfort for patients, families, and staff. Upon arrival, patients meet with a psychiatric provider within the first hour to review diagnoses and treatment plans. They then work with a team of behavioral health professionals to address the immediate crisis and determine next steps, which may include inpatient care or outpatient follow-up.
The EmPATH model is central to Emplify Health’s broader strategy to improve access to mental health services. By providing a dedicated space and streamlined process, the unit reduces emergency room congestion and delivers care in an environment tailored to patients’ needs. It also offers guidance and support for families and caregivers during challenging times.
“The space is a vital tool for our staff, allowing them to provide immediate and effective care for patients in mental health crises,” Court said. “This space is designed to immediately bring healing to patients, as well as facilitate quick assessments and interventions, ensuring individuals receive the support they need as soon as they arrive.”
Emplify Health, a not-for-profit healthcare network with headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, operates 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinic locations across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and Iowa. The organization employs over 15,000 staff, including more than 1,400 clinicians. More information about Emplify Health’s initiatives is available at emplifyhealth.org.