6 Best Mental Health Hospitals in Wisconsin

Mental health issues affect people in Wisconsin just as they do across the country. 

These can include common concerns like anxiety and depression, as well as more severe conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has made things even tougher, leading to more adults experiencing anxiety and depression.

In 2023, 26.2% of adults in Wisconsin reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, which is a bit lower than the national average of 32.3%.

Wisconsin provides various mental health treatments to help individuals and families. 

You can find help through outpatient clinics, inpatient facilities, and day treatment programs, each tailored to different needs. For those needing more structured care, residential programs are available.

If you want to know more about the top mental health hospitals in Wisconsin and the different services offered in the state, keep reading.

Types of Mental Health Issues Treated in Wisconsin

inside hospital room

In Wisconsin, there are various treatments available to help people with different mental health issues. 

For instance, they offer specific treatments for mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, which can affect your mood, energy levels, and how you function day-to-day. 

They also provide help for anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety, which can make you excessively worried or fearful and impact your daily life. 

Substance use disorders, involving the misuse of alcohol or drugs and their harmful effects on both physical and mental health, are also a major focus. 

Additionally, they focus on psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, which can cause disruptions in your thinking and behavior. 

Mental health services aren’t just for adults—they extend to children and teenagers too, with specialized treatment for their behavioral issues. 

Treatments offered include detoxification, medication, rehabilitation programs, and ongoing therapy, all aimed at improving your quality of life. 

Overall, Wisconsin’s mental health services strive to provide comprehensive care for people dealing with a wide range of mental health challenges.

List of Best Mental Health Hospitals in Wisconsin

Here are some of the best  hospitals for mental health:

1. Aurora Psychiatric Hospital

Aurora Psychiatric Hospital provides a wide range of behavioral healthcare services for adults, children, and teenagers. 

Their offerings include inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs, with a special focus on personalized treatment for children and teens aged 5 to 18. 

Inpatient care is available for individuals who require continuous supervision and stabilization. 

Their treatment approach emphasizes using proven methods to address mental health and substance abuse issues, such as individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, medication management, and detoxification for substance abuse. 

Their team of highly skilled counselors offers expert, family-centered counselling to individuals, couples, and families dealing with various emotional and mental health challenges.

2. Willow Creek Behavioral Health

Located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Willow Creek Behavioral Health provides a ray of hope for those facing mental health challenges within the LGBTQAI+ community. 

Known for their compassionate care and extensive services, they offer a safe space for both adults and adolescents seeking inpatient and outpatient treatment. 

Willow Creek Behavioral Health also specializes in treating dual diagnosis, where individuals have both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder simultaneously.

Their inpatient treatment incorporates various evidence-based methods like medication-assisted therapy, group and individual therapy, counseling, and support from a diverse team of medical professionals. 

Additionally, Willow Creek emphasizes the importance of skill development for long-term wellness.

After stabilizing during inpatient treatment, patients transition smoothly to outpatient care, which includes medically assisted detox, a partial hospitalization program, and intensive outpatient care. 

Whether someone requires intensive inpatient help or ongoing outpatient support, Willow Creek Behavioral Health is a top choice for mental health care in Wisconsin.

3. Rogers Behavioral Health

Rogers Behavioral Health is renowned for providing evidence-based mental health and addiction care, with strong roots in Wisconsin. 

They offer a ray of hope to adults, children, and adolescents facing a range of mental health challenges. 

Rogers has a significant presence in Wisconsin, with three inpatient behavioral health hospitals, 17 residential programs, and eight outpatient centers strategically spread across the state.

In addition to traditional mental health services, Rogers tackles the complexities of addiction recovery with specialized programs for substance abuse. 

These programs help individuals break free from dependence and regain control of their lives.

Their inpatient programs ensure round-the-clock supervision and care from a team of highly qualified professionals. 

Whether someone is dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other complex conditions, Rogers provides a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates various therapeutic approaches.

4. UnityPoint Health – Meriter’s Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 

UnityPoint Health – Meriter’s Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) program in Wisconsin is dedicated to helping young people facing mental health challenges. 

Located in southwest Madison, their facility has recently expanded to create a more welcoming environment for treatment.

The CAP program provides specialized care for children aged 6 to 18, offering both inpatient and outpatient services. 

Inpatient care is for those needing a structured environment to address serious issues like depression, anxiety, self-harm, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and suicidal thoughts. 

Outpatient services provide ongoing support and therapy but with less intensity.

Treatment plans at UnityPoint Health – Meriter – CAP are tailored to each patient’s unique needs. 

Therapists use various methods, such as talking therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to address different mental health conditions. Medication may also be prescribed by a psychiatrist if necessary.

Through a mix of individual and group therapy sessions, the CAP program helps young individuals develop coping mechanisms and improve emotional regulation skills. 

Their main goal is to empower children and adolescents to effectively manage their mental health, both during and after their time in the program.

5. Granite Hills Hospital

Granite Hills Hospital, a 120-bed private behavioral health facility, offers evidence-based treatments for both adults and adolescents. 

Their dedicated team of medical professionals specializes in addressing a range of mental health conditions including Personality disorders, Mood disorders, Bipolar disorders, PTSD, and eating disorders.

In Wisconsin, the hospital provides inpatient mental health treatment for adolescents aged 13 to 17 who require intensive care in a structured therapeutic setting. 

Their adolescent programs include both inpatient and outpatient services, offering group, family, and individual therapies, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

The outpatient program typically lasts four to six weeks and involves group and individual therapy sessions. 

Guided by skilled psychiatrists who manage medications and therapy programs, these sessions are aimed at helping individuals learn effective ways to cope with their challenges.

6. Miramont Behavioral Health

Miramont Behavioral Health, situated in Middleton, is a hospital dedicated to behavioral health. 

They provide a continuum of care for a wide range of conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and substance use disorders that occur alongside other conditions. 

In Wisconsin, they offer various treatment options tailored to individual needs, including inpatient programs for urgent stabilization and diagnosis, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) for intensive day treatment, and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) for continuous support.

Their approach to treatment is based on evidence and trauma awareness. 

It involves individual and group therapy, medication management, art therapy, recreational therapy, and round-the-clock monitoring by qualified staff. 

Financial assistance and acceptance of most major insurance plans ensure accessibility to their services.

In a nutshell,  they aim to stabilize patients in crisis who need immediate help. Through a team of mental health professionals—psychiatrists, physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists, and nurses—they support individuals on their journey toward improved mental well-being.

Inpatient Mental Health Facilities in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers a variety of inpatient mental health facilities to support individuals facing different mental health challenges. 

These facilities prioritize patient safety by providing 24/7 supervision and a secure environment, which is crucial for those in crisis or experiencing severe symptoms requiring close monitoring.

Compared to outpatient treatment, inpatient facilities offer a more intensive level of care. This includes individual and group therapy sessions, medication management, and workshops focusing on specific conditions. 

The main aim of inpatient care is to stabilize a patient’s mental health symptoms, which may involve medication adjustments, crisis intervention techniques, and developing coping mechanisms for managing difficult emotions.

Inpatient facilities can address a wide range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts. 

Some facilities even have specialized programs tailored to certain conditions, like geriatric psychiatry or adolescent mental health.

Qualified mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and nurses, staff these facilities. 

They possess the expertise and experience to deliver effective treatment personalized to individual needs.

In addition to symptom management, inpatient facilities often incorporate elements like occupational therapy, art therapy, or mindfulness practices to promote overall well-being. 

Ultimately, Wisconsin’s inpatient mental health facilities empower individuals to take control of their mental health journey.

Want to know more about mental health hospitals, check these out:

  1. Top 4 Mental Health Hospitals in California
  2. Top 5 Mental Health Hospitals in Sacramento
  3. 5 Best Mental Health Hospitals in Louisiana

Outpatient Mental Health Facilities in Wisconsin

Outpatient Mental Health Facilities in Wisconsin offer various types of support to accommodate different mental health needs. 

These centers play a crucial role in providing continuous assistance and care.

Compared to being in the hospital, outpatient places are more flexible. This flexibility allows individuals to schedule appointments around their work, school, or family commitments, making mental health support more accessible for busy lives.

These facilities offer different types of therapy, such as CBT, DBT, and IPT, tailored to each person’s needs. 

Some centers also have doctors who can prescribe and monitor medication for mental health conditions.

Teams at outpatient centers collaborate to provide therapy and medication as needed.

Additionally, case managers are available to help individuals navigate additional support options and ensure consistent care even if they see different providers.

Outpatient care is particularly beneficial for those with long-term mental health concerns or transitioning from hospital care to ongoing support.

Costs may vary depending on the facility, but many accept insurance, simplifying access to care. Some places even adjust costs based on income to ensure affordability for everyone.

Top Mental Health Professionals in Wisconsin

doctor

In Wisconsin, there are lots of really good doctors who specialize in helping with mental health. 

They work hard to give the best care to anyone who needs it. Even though there are many professionals around, a lot of people in Wisconsin like using BetterHelp

It’s a website where you can talk to a licensed therapist online.

BetterHelp makes it easy for people to find a therapist without having to leave their house. If you want to try it out, just go to their website or download their app.

1. Dr. James Winston, MD

Dr. James Winston, MD, is a highly regarded psychiatrist and the proprietor of American Behavioral Clinics. With over 30 years of experience, he is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology. 

Dr. Winston hails from Wisconsin and is an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin Medical School. 

His primary areas of expertise include Medication Management, Anxiety and Depression, and Trauma and PTSD. 

Dr. Winston is dedicated to exploring new and innovative treatments to help patients overcome depression. 

He offers therapies such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), striving to deliver comprehensive and compassionate care. You can reach him at (414) 310-7840.

2. Emily Pfaff

Emily Pfaff is a Licensed Professional Counselor and certified FBT Therapist in Wisconsin, bringing over a decade of experience in therapy. 

She specializes in treating adolescents and young adults diagnosed with eating disorders, along with addressing anxiety, OCD, social anxiety, and mood-related challenges. 

Emily’s treatment approach is grounded in evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), offering compassionate care to her clients.

3. Kristi Ann Balge

For more than 25 years, Kristi Ann Balge, a Licensed Professional Counselor, has been dedicated to helping clients and families through therapy. 

Her focus lies in assisting adolescents and parents across all age groups. 

She possesses specialized skills in working with individuals coping with spectrum disorders, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, grief, and loss, as well as those adjusting to divorce. 

To schedule a consultation, please contact her at (715) 382-9256.

4. Dr. Joshua P. Babu

Dr. Joshua P. Babu is a psychiatrist based in Madison, Wisconsin. He earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago and has been practicing for between 11 and 20 years. 

Dr. Joshua P. Babu specializes in treating various conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse, schizophrenia, and non-Alzheimer’s dementia. 

Whether through in-person appointments or via telehealth, Dr. Joshua is committed to delivering compassionate care to his patients.

FAQ’s:

What is a mental breakdown?

A mental breakdown, also known as a nervous breakdown or mental collapse, is not a clinical term used in modern psychology or psychiatry.
However, it often refers to a period of intense emotional or psychological distress where a person feels overwhelmed and unable to cope with the demands of daily life.
During a mental breakdown, individuals may experience symptoms such as extreme anxiety, depression, panic attacks, inability to concentrate, emotional instability, and withdrawal from social interactions.
It can be triggered by various factors, including chronic stress, traumatic events, underlying mental health disorders, or a combination of these factors.

What is the longest stay in a mental hospital?

As for the longest stay in a mental hospital, there isn’t a specific record that universally applies.
The length of stay in a mental hospital can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, such as the severity of the person’s mental health condition, the effectiveness of treatment, the availability of community support systems, and legal considerations.
In some cases, individuals may require long-term or even lifelong care in a mental health facility, while others may have shorter stays for acute treatment or stabilization.
The duration of a person’s stay in a mental hospital is determined by their individual treatment needs and progress toward recovery.

Manuel Alejandro Patiño

Personal and professionally focused on integral wellness in mind, emotions, and body, as the main key to preventing toxic stress and chronic diseases. I try to be an example of what I teach, healing not just from the knowledge. I am also very adaptable to employeer’s requirements. I can understand and speak Spanish, English, and German very fluently.

More than 7 years of experience practicing and teaching Kundalini Yoga and other meditation