According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 1 in 5 children have a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial. In response to this need, a new clinic in Kenosha, Wisconsin has been established to provide immediate mental health care to children and families.
The Children’s Wisconsin Kenosha Clinic opened in February 2024 thanks to a $3 million donation from the charitable arm of department store chain Kohl’s. This clinic is one of only two in the state that offers walk-in mental health care services for pediatric patients aged 5-18. No appointment or referral is required, and children and teens can access care immediately.
The clinic is staffed by licensed therapists, social workers, and clinic assistants, providing vital mental health support for those in need. Amy Herbst, vice president of mental and behavioral health at Children’s Wisconsin, emphasizes the importance of these walk-in clinics as ‘urgent care’ for mental health, ensuring that children and parents do not hesitate to seek help when needed.
The support for the Kenosha clinic came from Kohl’s Cares Goods for Good initiative, which donates 100% of the net profits from sales of children’s books and toys to health and wellness organizations. Jill Timm, Kohl’s chief financial officer and Children’s Wisconsin board member, highlights the clinic’s importance in addressing the mental health crisis facing the nation, especially among youth and teenagers, by providing essential resources to families in need.
The establishment of the Children’s Wisconsin Kenosha Clinic represents a significant step in increasing access to mental health services for children and families in Wisconsin. By removing barriers to care and offering immediate support, this clinic plays a crucial role in addressing the mental health needs of the community.