Emergency Services
The Emergency Services Program (ESP) is a state-certified program offering services in Oneida and Vilas Counties. The program offers a 24-hour mental health crisis line staffed by trained crisis professionals and 24-hour county crisis intervention. Our prevention and intervention services include community outreach, education, and direct client care. Crisis staff may provide information about area resources or conduct a crisis assessment, in hopes of creating a community response plan. Crisis staff value community-based treatment and care but have the option to utilize involuntary mental health inpatient hospitalization when someone meets the criteria for that level of care.
Mental Health Crisis Intervention
Calling the mental health crisis line (988) is a free resource to community members. You will speak with a trained crisis professional who will provide a listening ear and help you navigate the situation causing you distress. They can provide you with information about area resources and identify how to access voluntary care.
County crisis staff partner with law enforcement and respond to acute crisis needs within the community. If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis that requires immediate intervention, they should call 911 and law enforcement will engage county crisis staff. County crisis staff will gather information about the circumstances of the situation and the needs of those involved and develop an intervention plan focused on mental health stability and safety.
Who is Typically Involved with the Program?
The mental health crisis line is staffed by trained mental health professionals who can assist with crisis intervention that does not require hospitalizations or immediate concerns for safety.
When more intervention is needed, there are many members that make up the county crisis response such as; county crisis screeners, law enforcement, possible hospital staff, personal collateral supports, and whomever else may be involved in identifying the potential crisis. The outcome of a crisis call could result in an at home safety plan or an involuntary inpatient hospitalization which would include corporation counsel and a civil court process which is outlined in DHS 51.15.
Services Provided
The Emergency Services Program offers 24/7 crisis intervention through our crisis line as well as our county crisis screeners. Services are available to all residents of Oneida and Vilas counties and may include information and referrals, crisis de-escalation, suicide risk assessment with safety planning, and linkage and follow up services.
Who is eligible?
Crisis intervention services are available to anyone, regardless of age, that is experiencing a mental health crisis in Oneida and Vilas counties.
What does the Emergency Services Program cost?
- The Emergency Services Program is Medicaid funded, meaning it is free of charge for individuals who receive or who are eligible to receive Medicaid insurance.
- If an eligible person does not currently have Medicaid, clients can APPLY ONLINE or contact their County or Tribe’s Income Maintenance Consortium directly for more information or to apply. Click the link below to be taken directly to each agency:
- Persons who are not eligible for Medicaid are only initially billed for the cost of services received if they elect to be a cash payer and/or refuse to have their insurance billed.
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