What to Do if You or Someone You Know Is in a Mental Health Crisis
What Is a Mental Health Crisis?
A mental health crisis can look different for everyone and it doesn’t always mean someone is in danger of hurting themselves. For some, it may involve intense anxiety, panic attacks, or a sudden feeling of hopelessness. For others, it may mean confusion, erratic behavior, or being unable to perform daily tasks.
A crisis can occur when emotions or situations become overwhelming and a person feels they’ve lost control. You might notice warning signs like:
Withdrawal from family and friends
Extreme mood changes
Talking about wanting to die or disappear
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Unexplained anger, fear, or sadness
If something feels off trust your instincts and reach out. A crisis doesn’t have to reach its breaking point before you ask for help.
Immediate Help Is Available 24/7
North Central Health Care’s Crisis Center in Wausau provides free, confidential help at any time. You don’t need an appointment or insurance to reach out. Our trained staff can provide emotional support, crisis counseling, and help you or your loved one connect to ongoing care.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call our 24/7 Crisis Line at 1-800-799-0122 or 715-845-4326.
Multiple Ways to Get Help
1. Crisis Call Center
North Central Health Care offers 24/7/365 confidential crisis support through our Crisis Call Center. We’re here to help you through your roughest moments and assist you in determining next steps toward appropriate care.
2. Walk-In Crisis Care
You can visit our 24/7 Crisis Center at 1100 Lake View Drive, Wausau, WI 54403. No appointment is necessary.
Our facility is safe, confidential, and staffed by caring professionals who are trained to help people of all ages manage mental health or substance use crises.
3. Mobile Crisis Response
If you can’t safely come to the center, our Mobile Crisis Team can come to you anywhere in Marathon, Lincoln, or Langlade County. We’ll meet you in a private, secure location, at your home, workplace, school, or other community setting, to provide immediate support and stabilization. Our C.A.R.T. program works alongside law enforcement, hospitals, and community organizations to ensure individuals in crisis receive appropriate mental health care when needed and avoid unnecessary incarceration or emergency department stays.
When to Reach Out
If you or someone you care about is experiencing any of the following, it’s time to reach out for help:
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Severe anxiety or panic attacks
Loss of touch with reality (hallucinations or delusions)
Inability to care for oneself
Intense feelings of fear, hopelessness, or confusion
Even if you’re unsure, it’s always better to call. NCHC’s compassionate crisis professionals are here to listen, support, and guide you toward safety and stability.
Local Support in Central Wisconsin
NCHC’s crisis services are available to residents of Marathon, Lincoln, and Langlade Counties. We work closely with local hospitals, law enforcement, schools, and community organizations to ensure every person in our region has access to timely, life-saving care when it matters most.
For ongoing care, NCHC also offers a wide range of Mental Health Services, Counseling and Recovery Programs, and Outpatient Therapy to support long-term wellness.
You’re Not Alone — Help Is Always Here
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out today.
📞 Call 715-845-4326 or 1-800-799-0122 (24/7)
🚶♀️ Visit: 1100 Lake View Drive, Wausau, WI
🌐 Learn more: North Central Health Care Crisis Services
Your mental health matters, and help is just one call away.