In-person walk-in crisis services are available to individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. These services are available during regular business hours at the Racine County Human Services building.

Walk-in services are confidential, supportive, and provided by trained Crisis Professionals who assess the situation, de-escalate the crisis, and determine the most appropriate next steps. Individuals may be connected to outpatient services, short-term stabilization programs like SAIL, or inpatient care if necessary.

Walk-in crisis support is available for:

• Adults or youth in emotional or psychiatric distress
• Individuals having thoughts of self-harm or struggling with severe symptoms
• Family members or friends concerned about someone’s mental health
• Anyone needing help navigating immediate behavioral health needs

Location: 1717 Taylor Avenue, Racine, WI (First Floor)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: 262-638-6741

Racine County’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline provides immediate phone support to individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis—any time of day, any day of the week. Whether you are struggling yourself or are concerned about someone else, help is just a phone call away.

Calls are answered by trained, compassionate professionals who will listen without judgment, assess the situation, and offer support, safety planning, and guidance on next steps. The Crisis Hotline is a safe space for anyone who needs to talk or is unsure where to turn.

You should call the Crisis Hotline if:

• You or a loved one is in emotional distress or experiencing a mental health crisis
• You are struggling with suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, or overwhelming emotions
• You are dealing with a substance use concern and need help accessing treatment
• You need guidance about what to do or where to go for support
• You are a family member, friend, provider, or community member concerned about someone’s safety

The Crisis Hotline can help coordinate access to stabilization services like SAIL, mobile outreach through CREW, or outpatient behavioral health services.

Crisis Hotline (Available 24/7):
Phone: 262-638-6741

Racine County’s CREW (County of Racine Essential Worker) team provides timely, community-based support for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. As part of the County’s broader crisis system, CREW offers a range of services including in-person mobile assessments, short-term follow-up, and connection to ongoing care. The goal is to stabilize individuals safely and quickly—often avoiding the need for hospitalization or emergency detention.

A key component of CREW is Mobile Response, which brings trained professionals to where the crisis is happening—homes, schools, hospitals, or public spaces—to conduct on-site assessments and assist with safety planning, de-escalation, and service referrals. This face-to-face response helps ensure individuals get the right care at the right time, in the least restrictive setting possible.

The CREW team works in close partnership with local law enforcement to support individuals in crisis through a collaborative response. This coordination helps with early identification and intervention, while also reducing repeated law enforcement involvement. By working together, both teams are able to respond more effectively, allowing law enforcement to dedicate more time to community engagement and reducing the need for unnecessary arrests or detentions.

CREW services are available 24/7 and can be requested by individuals, family members, law enforcement, schools, or community agencies.

SAIL is a short-term, voluntary crisis stabilization facility for Racine County adults experiencing a mental health emergency. Located at 2000 Domanik Drive in Racine, SAIL is a 13-bed residential program that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Individuals admitted to SAIL receive around-the-clock support in a safe and structured environment. Trained staff provide continuous monitoring, medication support, and assistance in managing acute symptoms related to a mental health crisis. The goal is to stabilize individuals quickly and safely, while developing a plan for continued care once they are discharged.

During their stay, individuals are connected to appropriate resources, such as outpatient medication management, and services to support their recovery and help prevent future crises.

Location: 2000 Domanik Drive, Racine, WI
Phone: 262-638-6741 (Crisis Services)

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.

A Three-Party Petition is a legal process used when concerned individuals believe someone may be experiencing a serious mental health crisis and is unwilling or unable to seek help on their own. This process allows members of the community—such as family, friends, or professionals—to request a court-ordered mental health evaluation for the individual.

In Racine County, a Three-Party Petition must be submitted by three adults, at least one of whom has direct, firsthand knowledge of the concerning behavior. The goal is to ensure that individuals who may be experiencing significant psychiatric symptoms receive the care and support they need to be safe and well.

The petition process may lead to a court hearing where a judge determines whether the individual meets criteria for emergency mental health evaluation and possible temporary detention under Wisconsin Statute Chapter 51.

Important: If the situation involves immediate danger to the person or others, do not file a petition—call 911 or Crisis Services immediately.

• All three petitioners must be 18 years or older.
• At least one petitioner must have personally witnessed the behavior causing concern.
• Petitioners must provide detailed written statements describing the behavior and why they believe emergency intervention is necessary.
• Petitioners must be willing to testify in court if the petition is accepted and a hearing is scheduled.

Petitions must be reviewed and accepted by Racine County Corporation Counsel before a hearing can be scheduled. A Crisis Worker is available to explain the process and answer any questions petitioners may have.

Petition packets can be picked up in person and returned to:
Racine County Crisis Services
1717 Taylor Avenue, Racine, WI 53403
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone (for questions or guidance): 262-638-6741

During a mental health crisis, there may be times when a person is unable to recognize their need for care and support. In situations where someone may be at risk of harming themselves or others—or is unable to safely care for their basic needs—Wisconsin Statute Chapter 51 allows for a temporary, emergency mental health evaluation to help stabilize and support that individual. Chapter 51 Emergency Detentions are done by Racine County Crisis Services in conjunction with local law enforcement.

When this happens, the person is brought to a local hospital to be evaluated. If a local psychiatric facility is unavailable, they may be referred to another treatment location. A Crisis Worker and a public defender are assigned to support the individual throughout the process, ensuring they are informed, involved, and treated with compassion.

Within a few days of detention, a Probable Cause Hearing is held to determine the next best step. This hearing includes input from the individual, their legal advocate, treatment team, and Crisis Worker. The goal is always to consider the least restrictive, most supportive option—whether that means agreeing to a short-term plan, continuing treatment with further review, or ending the detention if appropriate.

If further care is needed, a Final Hearing is scheduled within two weeks. During this time, the individual continues receiving treatment and is assessed by two mental health professionals. The court then determines whether a short-term commitment or another supportive option is needed to continue care safely.

Throughout this process, the individual remains connected to a Crisis Worker, who checks in regularly and helps coordinate the transition to outpatient care when the time is right. The Chapter 51 process is designed with the individual’s safety, dignity, and recovery in mind—ensuring that people receive the help they need during a time of distress, while protecting their rights and offering support every step of the way.