New Mental Health Clinic in Kenosha: Combating the Crisis with Immediate Access to Care for Children and Teens

In the United States, approximately 1 in 5 children suffer from a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. To address this crisis, Wisconsin families in need of immediate mental health care now have access to a new clinic in Kenosha, thanks to a $3 million donation from Kohl’s, a department store chain.

The Children’s Wisconsin Kenosha Clinic opened its doors in February 2024 and 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 are dedicated to providing 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 essential resources for families who need mental health assistance. She describes the walk-in clinics as ‘urgent care’ for mental health and encourages those in need to seek help without hesitation. The Kenosha clinic is an important resource for families who may not have access to traditional mental health services due to financial constraints or geographic limitations.

Kohl’s Cares Goods for Good initiative made it possible for this clinic to exist. The initiative 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 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 head-on. With this new resource available, parents can take comfort knowing that their child has access to quality mental healthcare when they need it most.