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, marking a significant advancement in behavioral healthcare access in the state.
Individuals experiencing a mental health emergency will continue to present to the Emergency Room but will be transferred to the new EmPATH unit instead of waiting with other patients. The unit is designed to provide care for up to 23 hours, offering a calming atmosphere that promotes safety and comfort for patients, families, and staff. Spanning 5,000 square feet, the EmPATH unit includes eight exam rooms equipped with appropriate technology and resources, as well as dedicated spaces for comprehensive assessments and interventions.
Upon arrival, patients meet with a psychiatric provider within the first hour to review diagnoses, treatment plans, and medications. They then work with behavioral health professionals to address the immediate crisis. After stabilization, the treatment team determines the best next steps, which may include transfer to inpatient behavioral health or discharge with follow-up in outpatient programs.
According to Josh Court, director of Emplify Health by Gundersen Behavioral Health, the EmPATH model is a crucial component of the health system’s broader strategy to improve access to mental health services. “We understand the critical need for this type of care, and Emplify Health by Gundersen is committed to leading with innovative models like EmPATH,” Court stated. “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.”
The EmPATH unit reduces wait times and provides better care in a space tailored for patients’ needs. It also serves as a resource for families and caregivers, offering guidance and support during challenging times. Emplify Health, a not-for-profit healthcare network with headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, employs more than 15,000 people, including over 1,400 clinicians, across 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinic locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and Iowa. More information is available at emplifyhealth.org.
