What should I do if I or someone I know is in a mental health crisis in Wisconsin?

Call or text 988 immediately for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — it connects you to trained counselors 24/7 and is free and confidential. If there is immediate danger to life, call 911. Many Wisconsin counties also have Mobile Crisis Teams that can come to you; ask the 988 counselor or call 2-1-1 to find out if one is available in your county.

Can I get mental health services in Wisconsin if I don't have insurance?

Yes. You may qualify for Wisconsin Medicaid (ForwardHealth), which covers a wide range of mental health services. You can apply at access.wisconsin.gov or call 1-800-362-3002. County Human Services departments also provide some services on a sliding-fee or publicly funded basis regardless of insurance. Call 2-1-1 Wisconsin to find options near you, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which offer mental health care on a sliding scale.

How do I find a mental health provider or therapist in Wisconsin who accepts Medicaid?

The ForwardHealth Provider Directory at forwardhealth.wi.gov allows you to search for Medicaid-enrolled mental health providers by location and specialty. You can also call 2-1-1 Wisconsin for personalized help finding a provider, or contact your county's Human Services department, which can refer you to certified community mental health clinics in your area.

Are there mental health resources specifically for Wisconsin veterans?

Yes. Veterans can access mental health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Wisconsin is served by the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison and other VA clinics statewide. The Veterans Crisis Line is available by calling 988 and pressing 1. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) also connects veterans to benefits and services; visit dva.wi.gov or call 1-800-947-8387 for assistance.

Mental Health Resources in Wisconsin

Last updated September 29, 2026

Wisconsin residents facing mental health challenges have access to a range of supports, from immediate crisis intervention to longer-term counseling and community-based care. Whether you are managing a personal mental health condition, supporting a loved one, or navigating a crisis, knowing where to start makes a real difference. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and 2-1-1 Wisconsin are two of the most powerful first steps available to anyone, anytime.

Wisconsin's Department of Health Services (DHS) oversees behavioral health policy and funds many community mental health programs across the state. County Human Services departments are a primary entry point for publicly funded mental health services, including assessments, case management, and connections to certified providers. Eligibility for some programs is income-based, but crisis services are available regardless of ability to pay.

For those who are uninsured or underinsured, Wisconsin Medicaid (known as ForwardHealth) covers a broad range of mental health and substance use disorder services, including outpatient therapy, psychiatric medication management, and crisis stabilization. If you are unsure which programs you qualify for or which providers accept your coverage, 2-1-1 Wisconsin can help you navigate options in your county.

Key programs in Wisconsin

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free, confidential crisis support by call, chat, or text for anyone experiencing a mental health emergency, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress. Available 24/7. Wisconsin has dedicated local crisis centers connected to the national 988 network.

How to access: Call or text 988 from anywhere in Wisconsin, any time of day or night. Online chat is available at 988lifeline.org. No insurance or ID required.

2-1-1 Wisconsin

A free statewide helpline and searchable database that connects Wisconsin residents with local mental health providers, support groups, crisis services, housing, food, and other social services. Specialists can help you find county-funded mental health programs and sliding-scale counseling near you.

How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, text your zip code to 898-211, or search online at 211wisconsin.communityos.org. Available in multiple languages.

Wisconsin ForwardHealth (Medicaid)

Wisconsin's Medicaid program covers mental health and substance use disorder treatment for eligible low-income adults, children, and families. Covered services include outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, inpatient psychiatric care, and crisis stabilization.

How to access: Apply online at access.wisconsin.gov, call the Wisconsin ACCESS line at 1-800-362-3002, or visit your local county Department of Human Services office. Income and other eligibility criteria apply.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Behavioral Health Division

Wisconsin's state agency that funds and oversees community mental health and substance use services statewide. The Division supports county-run programs including crisis intervention teams, community support programs (CSP), and certified mental health clinics. It also regulates psychiatric residential facilities.

How to access: Visit dhs.wisconsin.gov/mentalhealth for program information, provider directories, and county-level contacts. Your county Human Services department is the direct access point for most publicly funded services.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wisconsin

A statewide affiliate of NAMI offering free education, peer support groups, and advocacy for individuals living with mental illness and their families. Programs include NAMI Family Support Group, NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group, and the NAMI HelpLine.

How to access: Call the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-6264 (Mon–Fri, 10am–10pm ET), visit namiwisc.org to find local affiliate groups and support programs across Wisconsin, or email helpline@nami.org.

Mental Health Resources resources for Wisconsin

Access Recovery Mental Hlth Services

SAMHSA-listed mental health treatment facility.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin414-269-8356

Mental Health Resources in Wisconsin

Key programs in Wisconsin

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

2-1-1 Wisconsin

Wisconsin ForwardHealth (Medicaid)

Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Behavioral Health Division

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wisconsin

Mental Health Resources resources for Wisconsin

Access Recovery Mental Hlth Services

Alternatives in Psychological — Consultation SC

Be the Change Health and Wellness

Benedict Center — Womens Harm Reduction Program

Centers for Independence — Whole Health Clinical Group

Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin — Community Services

Forward Choices LLC

Guest House Counseling Clinic

Jewish Family Services

La Causa Inc

MLK Heritage Health Center — Behavioral Health Services Center

Meta House Inc — Outpatient Program

Rawhide Inc — Youth and Family Counseling

STRONG Child and Adolescent Day — Day Treatment Program

Solace Grove Behavioral Health

Vivent Health

Wisconsin Community Services Inc — DBA Unlimited Potential

Word of Hope Ministries — ATODA Program

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

NAMI HelpLine

Other resources in Wisconsin

Mental Health Resources in other states