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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 in 5 children have a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, and as such, benefit from early diagnosis and treatment.

Wisconsin children and families in need of immediate mental health care can now walk in to a brand-new clinic in Kenosha, thanks to a $3 million donation from the charitable wing of the department store retail chain Kohl’s.

The Children’s Wisconsin Kenosha Clinic opened in February 2024 and now serves as one of just two clinics in Wisconsin providing immediate mental health care access for pediatric patients. No appointment or referral is required for children and teens ages 5-18, and they can access care immediately. The Kenosha clinic, along with its counterpart in Milwaukee, is staffed by licensed therapists, social workers and clinic assistants.

“We know kids and families need more support and access to mental health services,” said Amy Herbst, vice president of mental and behavioral health at Children’s Wisconsin. “Think of these walk-in clinics as ‘urgent care’ for mental health. We don’t want kids and parents to hesitate about coming to these clinics. They know when their children are struggling and need immediate support. Whether they have an established therapist or have never seen a mental health professional, these clinics will provide immediate support.”

Support for the Kenosha clinic was a result of efforts from its Kohl’s Cares Goods for Good initiative, which sells children’s books and toys and donates 100% of the net profit to health and wellness organizations nationwide.

“Our nation is facing a mental health crisis, especially among our youth and teenagers, but many don’t have access to critical resources,” said Jill Timm, Kohl’s chief financial officer and Children’s Wisconsin board member. “This walk-in clinic will help alleviate that challenge and provide an essential resource for families in need of mental health assistance.”