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, represents a significant advancement in behavioral healthcare access in the state.
Individuals experiencing a mental health emergency will continue to present at the emergency room but are then transferred to the new EmPATH unit, where they can stay for up to 23 hours to receive immediate care. This model reduces wait times and provides a more appropriate setting for psychiatric crises compared to traditional ER queues.
The 5,000-square-foot unit features eight exam rooms equipped with technology and resources, along with calming spaces designed to promote safety and comfort for patients, families, and staff. Within the first hour of arrival, patients meet with a psychiatric provider to review diagnoses, treatment plans, and medication. Subsequent care includes crisis intervention with behavioral health professionals and coordination of follow-up care, whether inpatient or outpatient.
“We understand the critical need for this type of care, and Emplify Health by Gundersen is committed to leading with innovative models like EmPATH,” said Josh Court, director of behavioral health at Emplify Health by Gundersen.
The EmPATH model is central to Emplify Health’s broader strategy to improve mental health service access. By providing a dedicated space and streamlined process, the unit reduces wait times and enhances care quality. It also serves as a resource for families and caregivers, offering guidance and support during 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,” Court said.
Emplify Health is a not-for-profit healthcare network with more than 15,000 employees, 1,400 clinicians, 11 hospitals, and over 100 clinic locations across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and Iowa. For more information, visit emplifyhealth.org.
