Emergency Mental Health Care
Our EmPATH unit is a 24/7 hospital-based facility located within a secure building that provides immediate, short-term care for individuals in crisis. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please go directly to our La Crosse emergency room or call 911.
Get support now at the EmPATH unit
In a moment of crisis, you deserve compassionate care within a quiet, calm environment that prioritizes your needs — no matter when it happens. Our EmPATH unit, which stands for Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing, is a behavioral health service designed to provide safe, supportive care to those experiencing a mental health emergency.
Accessing emergency mental health services
Your care journey begins upon arrival at our La Crosse emergency room, where you will receive an initial assessment. If you meet admission criteria, you will be transferred to the Robert and Diane Reinhart Family EmPATH Unit for care and treatment. The goal is to stabilize symptoms, reduce distress and connect each person with the right level of ongoing care. Upon discharge, the next steps in your care experience will be organized to ensure a smooth transition.
Key features of the EmPATH approach
As the first of its kind in Wisconsin, this specialized service is designed to provide immediate access and intensive care for individuals in crisis. Patients who are admitted for care are discreetly transferred from the hospital’s emergency room to the EmPATH unit. Inside the facility, you’ll find a colorful open space filled with big, bright windows and comfortable recliners, where patients will meet with our behavioral health providers for care and treatment.
What you can expect as a patient or loved one
The treatment process starts with an evaluation by a mental health professional within the first hour of arrival. This evaluation focuses on reviewing the patient's diagnoses, treatment plans and medications. After the crisis is addressed, the patient will work with our treatment team to determine what best fits their situation, which could include a transfer to inpatient behavioral health or discharge and follow-up in one of our outpatient programs. Most patients are stabilized and return home to their families within 24 hours.
FAQs about the EmPATH program
Have questions about the EmPATH unit? We've gathered answers to common questions from patients and families.
Who can receive care at the EmPATH unit?
The EmPATH unit provides care for anyone who meets the criteria for admission and is age 18 or older. If you’re a parent of a child or teen in need of help, our behavioral health team will help connect you to the right care services or resources.
Do I need a referral to be seen for services?
No referrals are needed for EmPATH; however, all EmPATH admissions begin in the Emergency Department on the La Crosse campus. Emergency Department staff will evaluate patients to determine if EmPATH is an appropriate level of care.
How long will I stay at the unit for treatment?
Patients can stay at the EmPATH unit for up to 23 hours to receive the necessary assistance. Most individuals receive the care they need within 12 to 16 hours, after which they transition to outpatient care. If you need to reach a loved one during their stay, please call the main switchboard at (608) 782-7300. A staff member will assist you in directing your call to them.
Can I go home to my family after discharge?
Yes. Many patients can return home to their family after receiving care at the EmPATH unit. Our behavioral health providers work to stabilize symptoms, provide support and connect each person with the right follow-up care to ensure a safe transition.
Additional services
Behavioral & mental health
We provide comprehensive care for individuals of all ages facing mental health challenges. Whether you or a loved one is experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma or other behavioral health concerns, our team is here to help you.
Adult PHP services
This program bridges the gap between treatment and home life. Adults are able to return home to their families at night while joining our structured day program, which offers intensive therapy and support for individuals in a secure environment.
Adolescent PHP services
Our adolescent partial hospitalization program is designed to give teens structured support during the day. The goal of the program is to help teens stabilize, develop tools for resilience and smoothly transition to the next level of care.
Need immediate help?
If you are struggling, our behavioral health team is available to help at (608) 775-2287. You can also reach out for immediate support by texting or chatting with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 Lifeline. This service is free, confidential and available 24/7. In an emergency, please call 911 or go directly to the La Crosse emergency room.
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