A new clinic for children’s mental health care has opened in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The Children’s Wisconsin Kenosha Clinic was made possible by a $3 million donation from Kohl’s, a department store chain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 1 in 5 children suffer from a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for these children and their families.
The Kenosha clinic is one of only two clinics in Wisconsin offering immediate mental health care for pediatric patients. Children and teens ages 5-18 can walk into the clinic without needing an appointment or referral and receive care right away. The Kenosha clinic is staffed by licensed therapists, social workers, and clinic assistants who provide support and access to mental health services for kids and families.
Amy Herbst, the vice president of mental and behavioral health at Children’s Wisconsin, emphasizes the importance of providing accessible mental health care for children. She describes the walk-in clinics as ‘urgent care’ for mental health and encourages those in need to seek help without hesitation.
The support for the Kenosha clinic was made possible through Kohl’s Cares Goods for Good initiative, which sells children’s books and toys and donates all net profits to health and wellness organizations nationwide. Jill Timm, Kohl’s chief financial officer and a board member of Children’s Wisconsin recognizes the mental health crisis facing our nation, particularly among youth, and applauds the walk-in clinic for addressing this challenge and providing essential resources for families who need mental health assistance.
