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, which began serving patients in April, aims to address the critical need for specialized mental health crisis care by providing a calming environment and streamlined process.
People experiencing a mental health emergency will continue to present to the Emergency Room, but instead of waiting with other patients, they are transferred to the EmPATH unit, where they can stay for up to 23 hours. The 5,000-square-foot unit includes eight exam rooms equipped with technology and resources, as well as dedicated spaces for assessments and interventions. The design promotes a sense of safety and comfort for patients, families, and staff.
Upon arrival, patients meet with a psychiatric provider within the first hour to review diagnoses, treatment plans, and medication. They then work with behavioral health professionals to address the immediate crisis and determine the best next steps, which may include transfer to inpatient behavioral health or discharge with follow-up in outpatient programs. The EmPATH model is a key part of Emplify Health’s broader strategy to improve access to mental health services, reducing wait times and providing care in a space designed for patients’ needs.
Josh Court, director of Emplify Health by Gundersen Behavioral Health, emphasized the importance of the new unit: “The space is a vital tool for our staff, allowing them to provide immediate and effective care for patients in mental health crises. 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. Our goal is to create a safe haven where patients can feel secure and begin their journey toward recovery.”
The EmPATH unit also serves as a resource for families and caregivers, offering guidance and support during challenging times. Emplify Health is a not-for-profit healthcare network with headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin, employing more than 15,000 people across 11 hospitals and over 100 clinic locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and Iowa. For more information, visit emplifyhealth.org.
