Acute Psychiatric Unit

The Department of Human Services' Acute Psychiatric Unit is a licensed specialty psychiatric hospital, providing 24 hour structured inpatient treatment within a locked setting.  Presenting problems may include acute and severe/persistent mental illnesses, neurocognitive changes, alcohol/drug detoxification and withdrawal services, acute situational/emotional distress, suicide threats/attempts and medication adjustments.  Both voluntary and involuntary admissions occur. 

Treatment emphasis is on short term, intense therapeutic intervention designed to provide the individual with rapid evaluation and stabilization.  Our team of Psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners, Social Workers, Nurses, Psychologists, Substance Abuse Counselors and Occupational Therapists meet individually with the person and collaborate to create a treatment plan specific to the individual’s needs. Together, we help people make positive changes, improving their quality of life and helping them return to the community.

ADMISSIONS

Open 24 Hours per day, 365 days per year

Acute Unit Phone Number: (920) 929-3515

Patient Phone for personal contact: (920) 929-6891

Admission Qualifications:

1) Fond du Lac County resident

2) Non-Fond du Lac County resident legally detained by Fond du Lac County law enforcement officers

3) Resident of a county whose Human Services agency contracts with Fond du Lac County for inpatient care.

Each admission MUST be authorized by that county prior to each admission.

4) Age limitations: Serves primarily adults, ages 18 and above.  Minors may be admitted on a short term emergency basis for evaluation.

Goals:

1) Assess the admitting problem, including the person’s perception of the problem.

2) Conduct a thorough evaluation, with psychiatry, laboratory studies, social work, substance abuse counseling, nursing, occupational therapy, and dietician, when needed.

3) Establish treatment goals together.

4) Work through the crisis, provide stabilization.

5) Arrange discharge planning, further treatment in the least restrictive but most appropriate setting.

Visitors:

Visitors may be on the Unit only during visiting hours (5:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. on weekdays and 1:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. on weekends and holidays, unless there is a special order.  Visitors must check articles to be given to the patient at the desk.  No drugs, alcohol, or items that might injure the patient are allowed into the unit.  Please call (920) 929-3515 for information.  View our Visitor Rules 

Fees:

A highly inclusive rate of $1700 per day, which includes all psychiatry fees, is in place for 2026.  The Acute Unit qualifies for Medical Assistance reimbursement for individuals over the age of 21 years and under the age of 65 years.  Many private insurances will cover with benefits.  A sliding fee scale can be used for payment for individuals with income qualifications.