Wisconsin passed legislation to create psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs). WI DHS is currently working on developing a state administrative rule for licensing PRTFs and the Medicaid benefit to reimburse for PRTF care. There is a lot of interest by Wisconsin counties in how PRTFs can help serve youth and young adults that need intensive residential treatment. Since MN has had PRTFs for a while, we want to learn from the MN experience.

Points that could be covered in the session:

• MN DHS discuss PRTF implementation in MN, lessons learned and advice for WI
• MN information about admissions, average lengths of PRTF stays, discharges, etc.
• MN PRTF providers discuss their programs, lessons learned from the provider perspective and advice for WI
• MN PRTF admission process, how children and young adults are approved for PRTF treatment and extensions of PRTF stays
• How PRTF admission process works for children that are in court-ordered out-of-home care (child protection or youth justice cases)
• How MN PRTF providers work with MN county child welfare and behavioral health agencies for admissions and discharges
• MN PRTF experience serving children that are not court-involved and young adults age 18-20
• Other insights into how PRTFs fit into the behavioral health continuum of care

Virtual meeting link available through the association. Contact us for more information.

WCHSA Bi-Weekly Meeting

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Topic: Minnesota Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRFT) Experience

Guest Speakers: