Wisconsin youth crisis stabilization facilities provide supports and services in a residential setting of no more than eight beds at earlier stages of a mental health struggle before more intensive, costly, and restrictive interventions are required.
Young people (ages 17 and under) may stay for up to 30 days—though most stays are only a few days in length—to recover from their distress.
Two locations
Stays at youth crisis stabilization facilities are initiated through county crisis services. Use this directory to find the crisis line for your county.
Milwaukee
The Milwaukee youth crisis stabilization facility is operated by Wisconsin Community Services in partnership with Milwaukee County. It only serves boys ages 10-17. Call 414-610-4109 or email ycsf@wiscs.org.
Wausau
The Wausau youth crisis stabilization facility is operated by North Central Health Care. It serves boys and girls ages 17 and under. Call 715-848-4385 or email nchc.csfmangers@norcen.org
Get support now
- Life-Threatening Emergency
911 - Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-TALK (8255) - Crisis Text Line
Text HOPELINE to 741741 - TrevorLifeline (LGBTQ+)
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 who stay at a youth crisis stabilization facility 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.
