Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)

Nationwide, Emergency Departments report that a significant portion of patients seen on a daily basis come to the ED experiencing a serious mental health issue. These patients often spend many hours in the ED, waiting to be transferred to an inpatient facility with open beds and to be treated by specialized mental health professionals. It also reduces the amount of beds available in an ED to attend to individuals experiencing emergent conditions.

At the time of completion, the Behavioral Observation Unit (BOU) is the only one of its kind between San Jose and Los Angeles.

“1 of every 8 emergency department visits are behavioral health or substance abuse related.”

Providing a transitionary step such as a CSU / BOU relieves the pressure on emergency departments and allows individuals to either safely be discharged and return home, or transfer to a higher level of care. The clinic is open 24 hours a day to serve individuals in need.

The new CSU is located within a short distance of Marian Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department, and allows medical professionals who are specialized in mental health to assess and stabilize up to 12 individuals at a time. The unique setting enables providers to simultaneously provide emergency care as well as acute care for mental health patients—this emerging healthcare trend has shown to successfully support individuals experiencing a crisis.

The team at SDG Architects designed the clinic with separate Family Waiting and Patient Entry areas to help maintain the dignity and privacy of each individual going through the intake process with the medical team. A centrally-located large group therapy room provides natural daylight and views of the outdoors, while also providing direct observation by medical personnel.

The space was designed to promote self-care tasks which can aid in the immediate stabilization of a person struggling to regulate back to stasis. This includes areas for patient nourishment, private shower, and laundry facilities, all while under the care of medical staff. An Exam Room provides privacy for one-on-one conversations with a medical provider, while a dedicated Quiet Room provides respite from over-stimulation. Staff support spaces are discreetly tucked into the back of the clinic. Designed with the safety of patients and staff in mind, finishes and design elements were carefully selected to reduce harm and promote calm.