Emplify Health by Gundersen has taken a major step forward in expanding its mental health services with the opening of the new Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Launched on November 12, the program is housed inside the Kaitlin’s Table Day Center, located in the Behavioral Health Onalaska building. This milestone reflects Emplify Health’s commitment to treating the whole person and addressing critical gaps in youth mental health care across the region.
The creation of the Adolescent PHP was made possible by the generosity of community donors. During the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Miracle Gala held on April 11, more than $125,000 was raised specifically to fund the program. This strong donor support highlights the community’s recognition of the urgent need for accessible, structured mental health services for teens.
The Adolescent PHP is the first and only program of its kind in the Coulee Region. Designed for youth ages 13 to 18 who are still in high school, the program serves adolescents experiencing significant emotional or behavioral challenges that interfere with daily life at home, school, or in social environments. Its primary goal is to reduce mental health symptoms, build resilience, and help teens develop healthy coping strategies to support long-term well-being.
The program is structured as a three-week, group-based treatment model. Throughout their time in the program, participants receive a comprehensive range of services, including individual therapy, family therapy, and psychiatry appointments. This multimodal approach ensures that the teen, their family, and their clinical team are all working together toward stabilization and lasting improvement.
The Adolescent PHP is designed to meet teens wherever they are in their mental health journey. For some, it serves as a step-down level of care after an inpatient behavioral health hospitalization, helping them transition back to school and home life with continued support. For others, it offers an alternative to prevent potential hospitalization by intervening early and intensively. It is also an option for teens who require more support than traditional outpatient therapy can provide but who do not need 24-hour inpatient care.
To help families learn more or determine whether the program is a good fit, Emplify Health provides detailed information on its Adolescent PHP webpage, including an option to fill out an interest form. Once submitted, a program coordinator contacts the family to discuss next steps, answer questions, and guide them through the process.
Alongside the new adolescent program, Emplify Health by Gundersen also operates an Adult Partial Hospitalization Program for individuals ages 18 and older who are no longer in high school. This ensures a continuum of care for people of all ages who need structured mental health support without requiring inpatient admission.
By launching the Adolescent PHP, Emplify Health continues to address the growing demand for accessible, compassionate mental health services in the region. The program’s opening marks a meaningful investment in the well-being of local youth and represents a vital resource for families seeking hope, healing, and effective support.