County of San Diego Crisis Stabilization Units

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• CSUs are described as responding to a “behavioral health crisis” – what does that mean?

  “Behavioral health” is a collective term which includes mental health and substance use conditions. A behavioral health crisis is when an individual is experiencing either a mental health crisis or a substance use crisis. 

• What does a behavioral health crisis look like?

  Though not all-inclusive, a behavioral health crisis may be associated with the following common signs:

  • Changes in mood or behaviors that cause concern
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • Sudden changes to hygiene and self-care practices
  • Unusual thoughts, sounds, or visions that cause fear or distress
  • Sudden onset or increase of substance use
  • Feeling hopeless or helpless
  • Sense of loss of control over thoughts, feelings, emotions, or behaviors
• Do CSUs serve all ages?

  In the County of San Diego there is one designated Emergency Screening Unit located in Hillcrest area which serves children and adolescents. All other County of San Diego CSUs serve adults ages 18 and over. Please see the table above for a list of all facilities and their populations served. 

• Who works at the CSUs?

  CSUs are typically staffed with behavioral health professionals, such as clinicians and psychiatrists, as well as nurses, case managers, and peer support specialists. 

• What happens while I’m at the CSU?

  Individuals admitted to a CSU will be assessed by staff to determine the most appropriate course of treatment – which can include medication, short-term counseling, observation, etc. An individual will stay as long as needed to stabilize but services are designed for a stay of up to 24 hours. Individuals will have an opportunity to meet with health professionals to learn more about what is causing the crisis and will be provided resources to follow up on after discharge.

• What type of service connections might I receive upon discharge from the CSU?

  Depending on the needs of the individual, the CSU staff will refer them to behavioral health services and/or primary care services to most closely align with their ongoing treatment needs.  

• Is this a service for people experiencing homelessness?

  CSU services are accessible to all people who are in crisis, whether housed or unsheltered, and includes connections to ongoing behavioral health care and housing services when appropriate. 

• Do I need to make an appointment to go to the CSU?

  You will not need to make an appointment and can be assisted just by walking in. 

• What will happen after I am discharged from the CSU?

  Once a person is feeling better and the immediate crisis has passed, they are linked to services that can meet their unique and ongoing needs. The goal of the CSU is to ensure clients stabilize and are linked to appropriate treatment services.

• Do CSUs serve individuals from any region?

  Yes, CSUs serve anyone in need of services regardless of where they live. There is no need to go to the CSU that is in the region where you live. 

• Can I bring my family member or friend to a CSU with me?

  You can have a family member or friend bring you into the CSU but they will not be able to stay for the duration of the treatment. 

• What are the CSU hours of operation?

  CSUs are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

• Do law enforcement drop off people at CSUs?

  Yes, law enforcement can drop off individuals experiencing a psychiatric crisis at the CSU. 

• Is there a cost for CSU services?

  Yes, however, the cost of CSU services for individuals who qualify for Medi-Cal, are uninsured, or very low income are generally covered by the County. For individuals with private insurance, in most cases the CSU will bill your insurer. Contact your private insurance provider with coverage questions.

• Who can I call to access services or support for an individual who is experiencing homelessness but not a behavioral health crisis?

  You can contact your local Homeless Outreach Team or 2-1-1.  

• Does the CSU offer services in languages other than English?

  Yes, language interpreter services are available.