A mental health crisis can be difficult for an individual and their family. Youth crisis stabilization facilities provide a safe, supervised place where youth can de-escalate from their mental health crisis, begin the healing process, and learn coping strategies to reduce the likelihood of future mental health crisis situations.
A mental health crisis can take many forms. Generally, a mental health crisis is a situation that the person or their loved ones are unable to resolve without the help of trained professionals. People who experience a mental health crisis may feel very afraid of the world around them, be overwhelmed by negative emotions, and/or out of control. A mental health crisis does not always mean someone is a danger to themselves or others.
Youth crisis stabilization facilities provide residential care and treatment to people ages 17 and under. Staff stabilize the mental health crisis and lay out a plan for keeping everyone safe.
Locations
Milwaukee: Call 414-610-4109 or email ycsf@wiscs.org.
Facilities in Wausau and Ashland are expected to open soon.
Get support now
- Life Threatening Emergency
911 - Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-TALK (8255) - HOPELINE Text Service
Text HOPELINE to 741741 - LGBTQ+ Crisis Line
866-488-7386 - County Crisis Lines
Use this directory
Select one of the following options for more information on youth crisis stabilization facilities.
Information for families
Youth crisis stabilization facilities operating in Wisconsin have eight or fewer beds. Stays are short term. Most stays are five days or fewer. Some youth may stay up to 30 days.
Youth receive care from a team of trained professionals. This team provides immediate counseling and assistance to help avert an emergency and prevent the person in mental health crisis from being placed in a higher level of care. This team also collaborates with the client's support system, including their family, school, and other service providers, to ensure the client's mental health needs are met when they return home.
Youth crisis stabilization facilities also serve youth discharged from an inpatient setting who are in need of lower level care before they return home.
Information for youth crisis stabilization facilities
Rules and regulations
- Wisconsin Stat. § 51.42 - Youth Crisis Stabilization Facilities
- Wisconsin Admin. Code ch. DHS 50 - Youth Crisis Stabilization Facilities
Forms
Certification process
Youth crisis stabilization facilities are certified by DHS under Wis. Admin. Code ch. DHS 50. There is a two step process to obtain initial certification.
Step 1
Complete and submit the following form to the Division of Care and Treatment and Services: Request for Approval: Youth Crisis Stabilization Facilities Certification Application, F-02595 (Word)
Step 2
Apply for initial certification through the Division of Quality Assurance
Know your rights
There are rules to ensure the privacy and dignity of people receiving services at a youth crisis stabilization facility are protected. Learn more about Wisconsin's client rights law.
