At First Step Community Recovery Center, we make the admission process simple, professional, and available 24/7. Our goal is to ensure that every client receives the care they need—starting with a thorough assessment to confirm medical stabilization is appropriate.

Admission Criteria

To be admitted, clients must undergo a comprehensive assessment performed by one of the following licensed professionals:

  • Psychiatrist or Addictionologist (Medical Doctor)
  • Nurse Practitioner – Psych Certified
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker

This assessment verifies that the client meets ASAM placement criteria for:

Level 3.1

Clinically Managed Low-Intensity Residential Services

(Requires at least six hours of treatment services per client per week and is consistent with DHS 75.53 requirements)
Level 3.5

Clinically Managed Medium-Intensity Residential Services

(Requires at least 20 hours of treatment services per client per week and is consistent with DHS 75.54 requirements)

Referral Sources

Clients may be referred by:

Hospitals and emergency departments
Law enforcement agencies
County Behavioral Health Services (including Milwaukee County)
Other county health departments
Homeless shelters
Family members
Self-referrals

24-Hour Admissions

Our admissions office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Referrals can be made by calling:

414-999-3555

Case Management

Upon admission, each client is assigned a Case Manager who:

Coordinates all medical services during stabilization

Arranges transportation for diagnostic or specialist care

Manages the warm handoff to a psychosocial treatment provider upon discharge