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KENOSHA, Wis. — Children’s Wisconsin announced Friday that it will open a mental health walk-in clinic at the Children’s Wisconsin Kenosha Clinic. Kohl’s gifted Children’s $3 million to help expand the clinic, building off the similar Craig Yabuki Mental Health Walk-In Clinic on the Milwaukee campus that opened in the spring of 2022.
The clinic will be staffed with licensed therapists, social workers and clinic assistants; it can be accessed by children and teens from 5 to 18 years old. No appointment or referral will be required.
The Kenosha Mental Health Walk-In Clinic is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 1-6:30 p.m. and the Craig Yabuki Mental Health Walk-In Clinic is currently open 3-9:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Parents should check the webpage as hours are expected to expand as more staff is hired.
“We know kids and families need more support and access to mental health services,” said Amy Herbst, vice president of mental and behavioral health at Children’s Wisconsin. “Think of these walk-in clinics as ‘urgent care’ for mental health. We don’t want kids and parents to hesitate about coming to these clinics. They know when their children are struggling and need immediate support. Whether they have an established therapist or have never seen a mental health professional, these clinics will provide immediate support.”
Children’s Wisconsin started a five-year plan in 2020 to address the mental health crisis in kids. Children’s Wisconsin said it hopes that these clinics can help caregivers detect mental and behavioral health needs earlier, reduce the stigma and improve access to mental and behavioral health services for children.
The two locations are the only clinics in the state that provide this type of access for children. In 2023, the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health reported that 1 in 10 Wisconsin teenagers said they had attempted suicide. The report also found that half of all kids being diagnosed with depression, anxiety or behavioral problems. Half of Wisconsin youth have reported difficulty in obtaining mental health services.
The Craig Yabuki Mental Health Walk-In Clinic said the majority of the kids at its clinic come in for help with anxiety, depression, trauma concerns and school avoidance.
The clinic in Kenosha will provide closer help for families in Kenosha, Racine, Walworth and Lake Counties.
Children’s Wisconsin said parents or guardians should bring their children to the walk-in clinics if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Feelings of anxiety, stress or panic attack
- Trouble focusing
- Loss of appetite or feelings of isolation
- Mood disorders
- Hyperactivity or attention issues
- Lack of interest in family or social activities
- Bullying
- Difficulty sleeping
- School avoidance
- Suicidal thoughts
“The need for mental health services for Wisconsin’s children is urgently high, and Kohl’s was the first and continues to be one of our most dedicated supporters to this work. Children’s Wisconsin has made a commitment to create the best mental health system possible for our kids, but we simply wouldn’t be able to do it without the philanthropic support of generous individuals and organizations," said Meg Brzyski Nelson, president of the Children’s Wisconsin Foundation.
The help from Kohl's stems from the Kohl’s Cares® Goods for Good initiative that sells children’s book and toys. Kohl's donates 100% of that net profit to health and wellness organizations nationwide.
“It’s an honor to support Children’s Wisconsin and the opening of its newest walk-in mental health clinic – bringing much-needed services and support to local families,” said Jill Timm, Kohl’s chief financial officer and Children’s Wisconsin board member. “Our nation is facing a mental health crisis, especially among our youth and teenagers, but many don’t have access to critical resources. This walk-in clinic will help alleviate that challenge and provide an essential resource for families in need of mental health assistance. We’re proud to extend our 23-year partnership with Children’s Wisconsin and address this urgent issue to ensure youth and families across our home state receive the solutions they need to live happier, healthier lives.”
More information about Children’s Wisconsin five-year plan, resources and a link to donate can be found, here.