Emplify Health by Gundersen, a leader in behavioral healthcare in Wisconsin, has opened the state’s first dedicated emergency mental health facility. The Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing (EmPATH) unit began serving patients in April at Emplify Health by Gundersen’s La Crosse campus.
“We’re excited to offer yet another avenue of care for our neighbors who need support for their mental health,” said Josh Court, director of Emplify Health by Gundersen Behavioral 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.”
Under the new model, individuals experiencing a mental health emergency will still initially present to the Emergency Room but will then be transferred to the EmPATH unit rather than waiting alongside other patients. The unit allows patients to remain for up to 23 hours to receive comprehensive care. Spanning 5,000 square feet, the EmPATH unit includes eight dedicated exam rooms equipped with appropriate technology and resources, as well as dedicated spaces to help providers facilitate assessments and interventions. The design emphasizes a calming atmosphere to promote safety and comfort for patients, families, and staff.
Patients meet with a psychiatric provider within the first hour of arrival to review diagnoses, treatment plans, and medication. They then work with other behavioral health professionals to address the immediate crisis. Once the crisis is resolved, the treatment team determines the best next steps, which could involve transfer to inpatient behavioral health or discharge with follow-up in outpatient programs.
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 designed for patients’ needs. The unit also serves as a resource for families and caregivers, offering guidance and support during challenging times.
“The space is a vital tool for our staff, allowing them to provide immediate and effective care for patients in mental health crises,” Court said. “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.”
For business and technology leaders, this development underscores the growing integration of specialized healthcare infrastructure with operational efficiency. The EmPATH unit exemplifies how targeted facility design and process optimization can address critical gaps in mental health care, potentially reducing the burden on emergency departments and improving patient outcomes. As mental health awareness continues to rise, such innovations may set a precedent for healthcare systems nationwide, highlighting the importance of dedicated resources for crisis care.
Emplify Health is a not-for-profit, patient-centered healthcare network with headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin. It 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.
