Mental Health and Social Work

Mental health and social connection are priority areas in Wauwatosa’s 2023-2027 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).

We have social workers to help community members navigate resources, access treatment, and improve overall mental health outcomes. If you or someone you know needs assistance with resources or treatment, please contact [email protected]. Our social workers assist with:

Suicide and Crisis Line

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support for anyone experiencing a suicidal, mental health, or substance use crisis.

People of all ages who need help for themselves or a loved one can access the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by:

Calling 988 (multiple languages)
Sending a text message to 988 (English only)
Using the chat feature at 988lifeline.org (English only)

Available 24/7 and in over 180 languages, 211 WI is a comprehensive database and call center of community resources that provides information and referrals for:

Counseling and support groups
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Resources
Healthcare services and more

Call 911 for emergencies such as life-threatening situations or medical crises.

Venn diagram showing 211 for resources, 988 for suicide intervention, and 911 for emergencies, all

Firearm Safety

The Wauwatosa Health Department provides free gun locks 24/7 through our public health vending machine located outside City Hall, near the employee entrance (7725 W. North Ave).

Live Today, Put It Away provides resources on firearm safety and suicide prevention, offering safe gun storage tips and interactive maps to find free gun lock locations in Wisconsin.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Resources

Well Badger Resource Center: Children’s Mental and Behavioral Health Resource Navigator
National Alliance on Mental Health Southeast WI: Teen and Youth Mental Health Homepage (NAMI) Crisis Text Line: Text “NAMI” to 741-741 for support and direction
Pathfinders
Children’s Wisconsin Adolescence and Mental Health Directory

Milwaukee County Mental Health Resources

Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee is a community coalition providing resources and support to reduce the number of attempted and completed suicides in Milwaukee County.
Milwaukee Vet Center offers confidential mental health services for veterans and their families, including counseling and group therapy for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
LGBTQ+ List of Mental Health Resources
Mental Health Emergency Center provides 24/7 crisis care for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies, offering immediate assessment, stabilization, and connection to ongoing support.

Supporting Mental Health Efforts

Learn to recognize suicide warning signs and how to help with QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Gatekeeper Training, led by a certified trainer. Open to anyone who wants to help prevent suicide.

Grand Avenue Club is community program that supports adults with mental illness through employment, education, housing, and social opportunities. Membership is free, voluntary, and lifelong. To join, you must be 18+, have a mental health history, attend a tour, complete an intake, and participate in daily activities.