WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — A new eight-bed youth crisis stabilization facility has opened in Wausau at North Central Health Care with funding from the Department of Health Services.
The facility is designed to serve children that are experiencing non-life-threatening mental health needs. Staff will work with the kids to help them develop coping skills through therapy to prevent them from needing higher levels of care in the future.
Children may stay at the facility for up to 30 days, but according to DHS the average stay at facilities like this is just a few days.
“Increasing access to mental healthcare for all Wisconsinites is a top priority of mine, but particularly when it comes to our kids,” said Gov. Tony Evers in a press release. “This facility will help meet a critical need in caring for youth in this region of our state, and I’m proud to be investing in what’s best for our kids—especially after the unprecedented challenges they’ve endured over the last 18 months.”
“We’re pleased to partner with North Central Health Care to bring this new mental health treatment option to northern Wisconsin,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “Youth crisis stabilization facilities provide help for today’s struggles and a direction for better well-being tomorrow and in the future.”
