MILWAUKEE, Wisc. — A local hospital system is addressing a growing need affecting the Milwaukee area: mental health.

Brian Brawner says his journey to getting to a healthy place with his depression wasn’t easy.

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“I’m tired of thinking that everyone has a different playbook in life, that they have it easy, that life is great, and that things couldn’t possibly be right for me,” Brawner said.

Ascension Columbia St. She believes the care Mary received from the behavioral health team changed her life.

Watch: Ascension Wisconsin addresses mental health crisis through accessible care

Ascension Wisconsin addresses growing mental health crisis through accessible care

“It was great. I mean, as I said, this goes way beyond just managing mental illness with medications,” Brawner said.

Brawner’s consultant, Patrick Schultz, says their focus is ensuring all Milwaukeeans have access to quality care.

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“We really strive to make care accessible to everyone and help them be open to their journey and basically create an environment where they can find their own voice,” Schultz said.

Recently, the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership determined that mental health is the top issue in Milwaukee County, with one in four adults getting the correct diagnosis.

Schultz says Ascension has risen to the challenge by addressing treatment prices, which often discourage people from seeking help.

“We are one of the few hospital systems in the region that receives both Medicare and Medicaid for day care services,” said Ascension Wisconsin Consultant Patrick Schultz.

As Brawner continues to attend regular sessions, he hopes others find the courage to ask for support.

“I’m not even saying I wouldn’t mind discussing it in a public forum, but if one person out there is more willing to come and look at the Ascension program and get help, then it’s worth it.” Brawner said.

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