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, provides a specialized environment for individuals experiencing mental health crises, aiming to deliver faster and more effective care than traditional emergency room settings.
Patients in mental health emergencies will continue to present to the emergency department but will be quickly transferred to the new EmPATH unit instead of waiting alongside other ER patients. The unit is designed for stays of up to 23 hours, during which patients receive comprehensive assessments and interventions. According to Josh Court, director of behavioral health at Emplify Health by Gundersen, the model addresses a critical community need: “We understand the critical need for this type of care, and Emplify Health by Gundersen is committed to leading with innovative models like EmPATH.”
The 5,000-square-foot unit features eight exam rooms equipped with specialized technology and resources, along with calming spaces intended to promote 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 medications. They then collaborate with behavioral health professionals to address the immediate crisis and determine next steps, which may include transfer to inpatient care 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. By providing a dedicated space and streamlined process for emergency psychiatric care, the unit reduces wait times and delivers care in an environment designed for patients’ needs. It also serves as a resource for families and caregivers, offering guidance during challenging times. Court emphasized the unit’s role in facilitating quick assessments and interventions: “This space is designed to immediately bring healing to patients... ensuring individuals receive the support they need as soon as they arrive.”
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 clinics in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and Iowa. The organization aims to lead healthcare transformation through community partnerships and patient-centered care. More information about Emplify Health is available at emplifyhealth.org.
