Mental health issues are a major problem across the country, with approximately 1 in 5 adults experiencing symptoms of mental illness each year. In Milwaukee, the numbers are slightly higher, with a reported 1 in 4 adults struggling with a mental health condition. Unfortunately, many of these adults fail to get the help they need due to lack of funds, insurance or availability of local resources. The following is a list of helplines at the local, state and national level, including the Milwaukee helpline, to assist individuals facing mental health challenges.
Milwaukee Local Mental Health Resources
- Milwaukee Helpline
The Milwaukee County Mobile Crisis line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those with immediate mental health needs. The Milwaukee hotline offers professional assistance from counselors, therapists, psychologists and nurses to help schedule mental health assessments, for stabilization and to connect individuals with local resources.
(414) 257-7222 - Milwaukee Crisis Assessment Response Team
The Crisis Assessment Response Team is a mobile response solution provided by Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services and local law enforcement. It provides inpatient mental health assistance to people of all ages. It offers on-site evaluations and provide follow-up visits for those who’ve called in with a mental health crisis. The service is available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to midnight, as well as Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(414) 471-8430 ext. 5126 - Access Clinic Services
The Access Clinic is provided by the Milwaukee Country Behavioral Health Division. It provides outpatient psychiatric services to uninsured Milwaukee County residents. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and provides psychiatric assessments, medical evaluations, crisis counseling and referrals to community programs. Outpatient programs include therapy, counseling and health management. The clinic also offers referrals to housing support, vocational training and social services.
(414) 257-7665 - Impact 211 Community Information and Referral Line
Impact 211 is available to people in times of personal crisis. All calls are free and confidential and help connect individuals to local resources. There’s also an online resource directory to ensure individuals can connect to the exact services they need. The referral line is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Text your zip code to get a list of local resources.
Call or Text: 211
National Mental Health Resources
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a community-based organization that offers support, education and assistance to those struggling with mental illness. It also offers family and peer-led support groups for people living with mental illness and their families. The organization hosts multiple community awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma about mental illness and provide public education. Services are available 24-7, and all calls are free and confidential. The website also has a library of free self-help information on recent mental health research and treatment options.
(414) 344-0447 - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides a wide range of services, including information and referrals to local services for individuals in crisis, particularly those at risk of self-harm. It’s available in English and Spanish, and translation services are available for other languages. The lifeline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure people can reach out anytime they need assistance. Callers are confidentially connected to trained crisis counselors for free.
(800) 273-8255 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Support is available 24-7 from trained counselors for anyone experiencing a mental health-related problem. All calls are confidential, which provides a safe space for individuals to discuss their problems without judgment. The line can also offer concerned family and friends advice on how to get help and support for their loved ones.
Call, Text or Chat: 988 - Crisis Text Line
Those who prefer to text instead of call can receive 24-hour support via text message from the Crisis Text Line. The service is also ideal for those who are hearing impaired. All calls are anonymous and confidential, allowing individuals to receive assistance without revealing their personal information. If needed, counselors can also provide information to local resources and services.
Text: HOME to 741741 - The Headstrong Project
The Headstrong Project is a nonprofit mental health organization that provides free mental health services to veterans, servicemembers and their families, including PTSD treatment. The program partners with local mental health clinics, counselors and therapists to provide customized outpatient care. Individuals who call the hotline are paired with an intake specialist who completes an online assessment.
Text: 838255
State Resources
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services
The Wisconsin DHS Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services helps support mental health and provides treatment to residents dealing with mental health issues. Services include crisis intervention, peer support and counseling. It also provides information on detox, rehabilitation and recovery for those struggling with substance abuse.
(800) 362-3002 - HOPELine
The HOPELine is a 24-hour live chat line for students and young adults to receive advice and discuss sensitive topics in a safe place. Individuals can receive suicide resources and crisis support. Chat is available online on their website and is completely confidential.
Wisconsin Mental Health Hotline
People throughout Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin can connect with the Mental Health Hotline in Wisconsin. This Milwaukee rehab hotline offers help to those struggling with depression and other mental health issues. Whether you’re looking for online resources, education, group support or local treatment options, we can help point you in the right direction. Contact us 24-7 for more information.
(866) 903-3787