Crisis Stabilization Unit in Orange County

A Crisis Stabilization Unit is an acute behavioral health program designed to support individuals experiencing a mental health, trauma, substance use, or psychiatric crisis. Alter Behavioral Health’s CSU services include immediate intervention, clinical assessment, risk assessment, safety planning, psychiatric stabilization, and family sessions for adults who need structured support during an urgent period.

Crisis stabilization may benefit adults experiencing acute emotional or psychiatric distress, mental health symptoms, trauma-related concerns, substance use issues, or co-occurring disorders. Alter’s program is designed for individuals who need immediate clinical support and assessment before transitioning to an appropriate level of ongoing behavioral health treatment.

Alter Behavioral Health lists 24/7 admissions and crisis support for its CSU services. Families, healthcare providers, and individuals can contact the admissions team to discuss the situation, review available care options, and begin a consultation. Immediate medical emergencies should be directed to emergency services or the nearest emergency department.

Care may include immediate intervention, clinical assessment, psychiatric stabilization, risk assessment, safety planning, and family sessions. The treatment team evaluates the individual’s behavioral health needs and helps identify appropriate next steps. Depending on the assessment, continued care may include residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or other supportive services.

Alter Behavioral Health lists Orange County among its service areas and operates a women’s residential facility in Orange County. CSU facilities are identified in San Diego and San Juan Capistrano, California. Admissions can help determine the appropriate location and level of care for an individual seeking crisis stabilization from Orange County.

The CSU program uses evidence-based approaches that may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, risk assessment, safety planning, and family sessions. Treatment is tailored to the individual’s circumstances and may address mental health disorders, trauma, substance use, or co-occurring conditions as part of Alter’s broader care model.

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 listed by Alter, including GEHA, Meritain Health, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Private pay options are also available. Alter states that it does not accept Medicaid, Medi-Cal, or Medicare for this service.

After stabilization, the care team can help identify an appropriate continuation of treatment within Alter’s full continuum of care. Potential options include residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatient, transitional, and therapeutic support services. Aftercare planning, local support groups, and recovery resources may also support progress beyond discharge.