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 and represents a significant advancement in behavioral health care access in the state.
The EmPATH unit is designed for individuals experiencing a mental health emergency. Patients will continue to present to the Emergency Room but will be transferred to the dedicated unit rather than waiting with other patients. The unit allows patients to remain for up to 23 hours to receive comprehensive care.
Spanning 5,000 square feet, the unit features eight exam rooms equipped with appropriate technology and resources, along with dedicated spaces to facilitate thorough assessments and interventions. The environment is intentionally designed to create a calming atmosphere that promotes 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. After stabilization, the treatment team collaborates with the patient to determine the next steps, which may include transfer to inpatient behavioral health or discharge with follow-up in outpatient programs.
Josh Court, director of Emplify Health by Gundersen Behavioral Health, emphasized the importance of the new facility. “We’re excited to offer yet another avenue of care for our neighbors who need support for their mental 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,” he said.
The EmPATH model is a crucial component of Emplify Health’s broader strategy to improve access to mental health services. By providing a dedicated space and streamlined process for emergency psychiatric care, the unit reduces wait times and delivers better care in an environment tailored to patients’ needs. The unit also serves as a resource for families and caregivers, offering guidance and support during challenging times.
Court highlighted the impact on staff and patients: “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.”
Emplify Health is a not-for-profit, patient-centered healthcare network with headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin. The network includes more than 15,000 employees, over 1,400 clinicians, 11 hospitals, and more than 100 clinic locations across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and Iowa. More information about Emplify Health can be found at emplifyhealth.org.
