RESOURCES

NAMI Northern Lakes is a chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots organization that focuses on mental illness. We are a nonpartisan, non-profit organization with local affiliates (chapters) across the state. Our members include people living with mental illness and their family members, friends, advocates, and health care providers. 

We provide peer-led education programs to help people affected by mental illness understand it, navigate the mental health system, and maintain healthy relationships.

We provide public education and community outreach to reduce stigma, help the general public better understand mental illness, and hear stories of recovery. We invite all members of the community to join our efforts to improve the public understanding of mental illness. 

We offer support groups, community meetings, and many other opportunities to build a network of people who understand your experiences. NAMI Northern Lakes also offers one-on-one support with navigating the mental health system, understanding available services, and connecting with the right resources. 

We provide grassroots advocacy trainings to NAMI members. As a grassroots movement, we advocate at the local and state level for better access to community-based, recovery-oriented, high-quality mental health services. 

NAMI Northern Lakes' mission is to provide support, education and advocacy for people living with mental illness and their families in Oneida, Vilas and Forest Counties.  

Need Someone to Talk to?

Talking to someone about your mental health can be helpful. Even if you are not in a crisis situation, sometimes you might need to talk to someone about your current mental health concerns or how you are feeling. Having a support system of friends and family to talk to can be helpful, but not always possible. However, there are many resources you can access if you are looking for someone to talk to about your mental health and/or mental illness.

What is a Warmline?

Warmlines are phone numbers that you can call to gain support, understanding, and provide early intervention with emotional support that can prevent a crisis. Warmlines are typically free, confidential peer-support services staffed by volunteers or paid employees who have experienced mental health conditions themselves. These peer supporters use their own experience to better understand the needs and concerns of those who call. Warmlines can be utilized just to talk, to gain information, and even be connected with resources.

Warmlines are often not equipped to take crisis calls. If you are in a mental health crisis situation, you should call a crisis hotline. Crisis hotlines are phone numbers that people can call to get immediate emergency telephone counseling.
If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For more information on crisis situations, please visit our In a Crisis webpage.

Talk to someone at a Warmline:

Uplift WI Warmline – 534-202-5438

This line is for Wisconsin residents and is staffed by certified peer specialists – people with lived experiences of mental health, substance use and other related life experiences. Call this line if you need someone to talk to for support when things are difficult, or when you just need a peer to connect with. You do not need to be in crisis to call this line. This line is fully anonymous and confidential and is not directly connected to crisis linkage services.  We will not call emergency services on you unless you specifically request this from us, and that process will be led by you. The warmline is available to call 12pm-12am CST daily during the initial soft launch and will be available 24/7 by the end of 2023.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.mhawisconsin.org/upliftwi

Hopeline: Text HOPELINE to 741741

Suicide prevention through education, awareness, and direct services including the HOPELINE, a text-based emotional support line available 24/7, support groups, workshops, and training.

Warmline, Inc: 414-777-4729

Warmline, Inc supports and promotes the process of recovery, empowerment, hope, and healing to people with mental health concerns. Calls are limited to fifteen minutes so everybody who would like to talk will have an opportunity. Please wait one hour between calls. The call line is run by peer counselors and accepts non-crisis-related calls and all calls are kept confidential.

Caregiver Outreach: 833-572-1599 or 2-1-1 and ask for an outreach specialist
A referral and supportive listening service intended to reach informal/unpaid caregivers who are 18 years or older, who are providing care to those 18+. Callers will receive weekly calls from staff intended to reduce caregiver stress by providing supportive listening, information, and resources to assist them. Weekly connections occur over the course of 6-8 weeks.

Service Member, Veteran & Family (SMVF) Warmline: 262-336-9540

Provides non-crisis peer support 24/7 to Wisconsin residents who are currently serving or have previously served in the United States Armed Forces and their families. The Warmline is staffed by Veteran Peer Support Specialists through R&R House, who have been trained under the Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist curriculum, as well as additional training in Intentional Peer Support, Motivational Interviewing, Digital/Virtual Peer Support, and the veteran-specific Quick Reaction Force training developed by Dryhootch and Medical College of Wisconsin. Callers to the Warmline will leave a message with their call-back information, county of residence, and veteran/military connection. Their call will be returned promptly by a Peer Support Specialist to provide appropriate non-crisis support.

Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline: 888-901-2558

The 24/7 Farmer Wellness Helpline is available to Wisconsin farmers and/or their family members that are experiencing stress, mental health challenges, or just need someone to talk to. Helpline staff can provide immediate, in-the-moment care and can refer callers to Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Tele-Counseling Sessions or Counseling Voucher Programs for ongoing care.

PRISM: 414-336-7974

The PRISM (Peer Recovery in Supportive Mutuality) program connects LGBTQ+ youth in Wisconsin with trained peer-specialists who can provide mental and emotional support and mentorship. Peer specialists who identify as LGBTQ+ can use their own knowledge of LGBTQ+ specific needs to help others with things like coming out, finding gender affirming care, relationship issues, and more.

Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386

The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ+ young people. Text, chat, or call anytime to reach a trained counselor.

Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

The Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. The hotline is run by trans people, for trans people. We believe that trans people are equipped to support one another, and that each trans person knows best what support looks like for them. The lifeline is staffed by individuals who use active listening, community knowledge, shared lived experience, and trust to be there for our peers.

Friendship Line: 800-971-0016

The Institute on Aging offers a 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line for people aged 60 years and older and adults living with disabilities. The program reaches out to lonely, depressed, isolated, frail, and/or suicidal older adults by using trained volunteers who specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed older adults.

Some peer run warmlines are operated out of Peer Run Respite Centers which are places adults (18+) can call or visit who may be experiencing increased stress or symptoms related to mental illness and/or substance use concerns. Peer Run Respite centers operate warmlines that are staffed by peer supporters with their own lived experience of mental illness and provide encouragement and hope as they have experienced similar challenges.

NAMI Teen & Young Adult Helpline: Available Monday-Friday 9A CST-9P CST

Veterans Crisis Line:
1-800-273-8255
Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.

Talk to someone at a Peer Run Respite: 

Please note: You may need to leave a message with your name and phone number to get a call back.

Iris Place (Appleton): 920-815-3217

La Crosse Lighthouse (La Crosse): 608-775-8200

Solstice House (Madison): 608-244-5077

Monarch House (Menomonie): 715-505-5641

Parachute House (Milwaukee): 414-877-5918

R&R House for Veterans: 262-336-9540

COMING SOON: Hope Haven Peer Respite House (NAMI Lake Superior South Shore) visit their Facebook page here

When a person has safe and affordable housing that meets their needs, they have the opportunity to become part of the community. Lack of safe and affordable housing is one of the most significant barriers to recovery for people living with mental illness.

Residential Care/Housing Resources May Include:

1. Housing for low/moderate income individuals: To learn about/apply for low-income housing (public housing) or low-income housing assistance (section 8 vouchers), contact your local Housing Authority
2. WI Division of Housing offers other helpful programs for people with low to moderate incomes.
3. Adult Family Homes are small (1-4 residents) homes where residents receive care, services, and/or treatment above the level of room and board.
4. Assistance with daily living skills: Wisconsin’s Independent Living (IL) Centers, non-profits run by and for people with all types of disabilities, provide peer support, information and referrals, advocacy, and independent living skills training.
5. Community Based Residential Facilities (CBRF) offer care, services, and/or treatment above the level of room and board for 5 or more people. CBRFs are typically more intensively staffed than Adult Family Homes.
6. Supportive housing aims to help people get and keep an independent living situation. It is intended for people who, without the service, could not otherwise maintain independent housing. Case management programs, including through CSP and CCS, can connect clients to Supportive Housing.

Housing Discrimination
If you feel that you have experienced housing discrimination, contact one of the following organizations:

1. Fair Housing Council’s statewide hotline: (877) 647-3247
2. Disability Rights Wisconsin (800) 928-8778
3. Wisconsin Equal Rights Division: (608) 266-6860

IF YOU ARE AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS: Call 988

If you want more information on Adult Family Homes, CBRF and/or public housing: Contact Oneida County Aging and Disability Resource Center

For someone with a mental health condition, the basic necessity of a stable home can be hard to come by. The lack of safe and affordable housing is one of the most powerful barriers to recovery. When this basic need isn’t met, people cycle in and out of homelessness, jails, shelters and hospitals. Having a safe, appropriate place to live can provide stability to allow you to achieve your goals.

You may run into housing issues after being discharged from an inpatient care unit or jail and find that you have no home to return to. Even if you haven’t been hospitalized, finding an affordable home can be difficult. Many people with a serious mental illness live on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which averages just 18% of the median income and can make finding an affordable home near impossible.

Finding stable, safe and affordable housing can help you on your journey to recovery and prevent hospitalizations, homelessness and involvement in the criminal justice system.

What Should You Look for In Housing?

A good housing match is one that meets four key needs.

1. Housing should be affordable. Ideally, this means you would have to pay no more than 30% of your income for housing costs. Having to pay more may make it hard to afford needs like health care, food or clothing. Many people with mental illness may have low incomes. To meet housing costs, they may need additional financial assistance, like government-funded rental assistance or rental subsidies.
2. Housing should offer the right amount of independence. An important part of housing is the freedom to choose where and what type you want. Different types of housing can offer someone living with mental illness different levels of independence and care, so it’s important to determine which type would work best for you.
3. Housing should meet your physical needs. If you have a mental illness and a physical disability you may need housing features like ramps or alarms with blinking lights. Many people with mental illness also may not drive and therefore would need a home close to treatment providers and community resources, as well as public transportation.
4. Housing should be discrimination-free. The Fair Housing Act bars discrimination in rental housing based on disability. This means that landlords and property owners cannot refuse to rent to you because of a disability. They must also make reasonable accommodations and allow for modifications to fit your needs.

Types Of Housing

Housing options range from completely independent living to 24/7 care. The type of housing that is right for you can depend on whether you need assistance paying your bills, cleaning, making appointments or require no assistance at all. Choose a type of housing that fits your individual needs so your recovery can be your priority.

1. Supervised Group Housing
   This type of housing provides the most support for its residents. Trained staff members are present 24/7 to provide care and assistance with things like medication, daily living skills, meals, paying bills, transportation and treatment management. These group homes provide their residents with their own bed, dresser and closet space, and shared bathrooms and common areas. This is the best type of housing for people experiencing a serious mental illness which may affect their ability to perform their daily tasks.
2. Partially Supervised Group Housing
   Some support is provided for the residents, but staff isn’t there 24 hours a day. The residents can be left alone for several hours and are able to call for help if needed. People who choose to stay in these group homes can perform their daily living tasks independently or semi-independently, help with cooking and cleaning and may even hold a part-time job or participate in a day program.
3. Supportive Housing
   Supportive housing provides very limited assistance. The residents of these homes live almost independently and are visited by staff members infrequently. However, they do have someone to call and resources available to them if a problem does arise.
4. Rental Housing
   This type of housing is for someone who is completely independent. Rent can be paid for in full by the individual or subsidized by a third party, such as the government or a non-profit agency. Someone who chooses this type of housing can take care of all their basic needs like cooking, cleaning, paying bills and managing their medication. They also may have a job and have or be seeking custody of children. If this is the right type of housing for you then you will still most likely work with a caseworker to manage and maintain the different aspects of your recovery.
5. Home Ownership
   A homeowner is able to live completely independent and manage both their responsibilities of day to day living and the responsibilities of caring for and maintaining a home. They must be able to stay in one location for longer than renters and should involve themselves in the community. A homeowner is usually someone who has a steady income, can handle their bills and can maintain taxes and insurance on their home.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis: call 9-8-8 to be connected with a trained counselor

If you or a loved one is in immediate physical danger: call 9-1-1 and request a CIT or mental health officer

Mental health crises can be some of the scariest, most stressful situations we experience. However, there are ways to make them safer, more manageable, and, more importantly, prevent them altogether.

What Is A Crisis? 

Generally, a crisis is a situation that the person or their loved ones are unable to resolve without the help of trained professionals

Common crisis emotions include feeling very afraid, overwhelmed by negative emotions, and/or out of control

A mental health crisis does NOT ALWAYS mean someone is a danger to self or others.

What Can Cause a Crisis to Occur?

External Factors: increased stress, loss of someone close or a companion animal, traumatic events, major life changes

Internal Triggers: intense depression, hopelessness, anxiety, anger, panic

What Are The Signs That Action Must Be Taken?

1. Attempts to harm or kill oneself, making plans to do so
2. Threats to hurt oneself or others
3. Verbal or physical abuse
4. Excessive withdrawal
5. Not sleeping or eating for several days
6. Acute psychotic symptoms causing distress (delusions, hallucinations)

IMPORTANT REMINDERS 

1. Crisis does NOT happen because someone is weak, has “cracked,” or should have worked harder to get well.
2. A crisis is NOT an inevitable or unavoidable part of living with mental illness.
3. Crisis often signals problems with services and/or support, not with the person’s ability to get well.
4. A crisis looks and feels different for each person.
5. Someone in a self-defined crisis should never be turned away from services

Basic Steps To Take In A Crisis
Reduce the intensity as much as possible

1. Speak calmly, softly, and slowly. Relax your body and voice.
2. Be genuine. Do not talk to the person like a child.
3. Be non-judgmental. Try to truly understand the person’s experience, rather than assess, judge, or push solutions.
4. Ask simple, respectful questions about what happened and your loved one’s thoughts/feelings. Do not try to talk the person out of delusions or hallucinations. This will only create mistrust
5. Ask how you can help your loved one feel safe. Try to find out what would help them feel more secure and in control.

If the person is willing to seek care, establish a game plan:

1. Is there a therapist, doctor, or another care provider we could call? If the person already works with health care providers, contact them for advice.
2. What has helped when you’ve had similar feelings in the past? The person may have a written plan of action for mental health crises or other ideas about what works for them.
3. What are your preferences? Is there a certain hospital or clinic you prefer? Would you prefer non-medical support? Do you want to bring anything with you? Is there anyone else you would like to call? When we get there, do you want me to stay with you or drop you off?

While sometimes the healthcare staff are unable to share information with you due to privacy laws, remember YOU can share information with them. You will likely be part of the Recovery Plan and they should. You have every legal right to share information with them about your loved one.

Involve professionals:
Is the person in immediate danger and unwilling to seek care?

Yes: Call 911. Explain that it is a mental health crisis and request an officer with mental health training

No: Ask the person if they are willing to call a crisis line and talk with someone. If they are not willing: Call the crisis line yourself. They will help you process the situation, provide referrals and possibly send a crisis worker.

Safe Police Interactions
Tips for what to say if you need to call the police during a mental health crisis:

1. State that the situation is a mental health crisis to both the 9-1-1 dispatcher and the responding officer! “I am calling because my loved one is having a mental health crisis. My goal is for them to get help, not to be arrested or harmed.”
2. Request that a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) trained officer (an officer with special mental health training) respond to the situation. They may or may not be available. “If possible, I’d like an officer with CIT training to respond.”
3. If applicable: tell the officer if you know that your loved one has access to weapons, particularly firearms. “My loved one has access to ______weapons.”
4. If applicable: Tell the officer if your loved one has made direct threats. “My loved one has made direct threats of violence.”
5. Briefly point out triggers that you believe could escalate the situation (e.g. speaking loudly, standing over your loved one, getting too close, etc.) “I want to make you aware of triggers that I believe will escalate this situation.”
6. Briefly point out things that may prevent escalation: speaking softly, addressing concerns directly, having a trusted person nearby, etc. “I want to make you aware of a few ideas for preventing escalation.”

Be calm and cooperative with the 911 dispatcher and law enforcement officers! Answer all questions completely and honestly. Give a written statement if requested.