Healthfirst opens new mental health care institution | WSAU News/Talk 550 AM · 99.9 FM

Healthfirst ribbon cutting in Wausau, WI

WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – Providers across the area are struggling to keep up with the demand for mental health resources.

Wausau-based Healthfirst Network saw that need and decided to do something about it.

In September, they broke ground on a new mental health clinic. The ribbon was cut and officially opened on Thursday.

CEO Jessica Scharfenberg said work on the clinic actually started months ago, before the walls were finished. Since then, they’ve helped nearly 30 people and recently hired another counselor so they can help more.

In total, they have the capacity for five advisors at their Wausau location.

The brand new wing features five counseling offices, a group counseling room and a mural created by the nonprofit Rise Up Central Wisconsin.

Scharfenberg said they plan to expand their mental health mission to all eight locations in Wisconsin.

If you need assistance, please call 800-246-5743. The national suicide hotline is 988.