Crisis Stabilization Unit in San Diego County

The length of stay in a crisis stabilization setting varies according to the individual’s clinical needs, safety concerns, response to intervention, and recommended next level of care. The purpose is to address immediate crisis needs and support stabilization, not to provide a fixed long-term treatment period. During care, clinicians evaluate progress and help plan appropriate ongoing support.

A Crisis Stabilization Unit, or CSU, is an acute behavioral health program for adults experiencing a mental health crisis. Care may include immediate intervention, clinical assessment, risk assessment, safety planning, psychiatric stabilization, and family sessions. The goal is to help address urgent needs and establish appropriate next steps within a broader continuum of behavioral health treatment.

Crisis stabilization may benefit adults experiencing acute mental health concerns, trauma-related distress, psychiatric symptoms, or substance use issues connected with mental health needs. Clinical professionals assess each person’s situation to determine whether the program is appropriate. Individuals with immediate medical emergencies or imminent danger should seek emergency assistance through local emergency services.

Care can include an initial clinical assessment, evaluation of safety and risk, psychiatric stabilization, safety planning, therapeutic support, and family sessions. Alter Behavioral Health uses evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT as part of its broader treatment model. The care team considers the person’s needs and works toward a suitable transition after immediate concerns are addressed.

Alter Behavioral Health lists 24/7 admissions and crisis support for its Crisis Stabilization & Intervention service. Families, referring professionals, and individuals can contact admissions to discuss the situation, ask about consultation, and learn whether the program may be appropriate. In an immediate emergency, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.

Yes. The Crisis Stabilization & Intervention service is part of Alter Behavioral Health’s care model for adults with mental health disorders, trauma, and substance use issues. Crisis support can help address immediate behavioral health needs while informing consideration of dual-diagnosis, residential, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient treatment when clinically appropriate.

Insurance verification is available for the CSU. The main insurance providers we have high success rates with are Cigna, UMR, Anthem Blue Cross California, and Aetna. Insurance verification is also available for other major carriers, including GEHealth, Meritain Health, Highmark BCBS, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Private pay options are also available. The provided service information states that Medicaid, Medi-Cal, and Medicare are not accepted. Coverage and eligibility should be verified before enrollment.

After immediate crisis needs are addressed, the care team can consider appropriate ongoing support within Alter Behavioral Health’s continuum. Depending on clinical recommendations, this may include residential treatment, a Partial Hospitalization Program, an Intensive Outpatient Program, or other therapeutic services. Planning considers safety, symptoms, substance use concerns, family involvement, and the person’s continuing treatment needs.