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 determine the most appropriate level of care and confirm suitability for residential treatment services.

Admission Criteria

Upon admission, individuals undergo a comprehensive clinical assessment conducted by licensed professionals to determine medical necessity and appropriate level of care.

  • 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 medical services and care needs throughout residential treatment

Arranges transportation for diagnostic and specialty care services

Facilitates a warm handoff to another residential treatment provider oг appropriate level of care, based on the client's individual needs and treatment goals