New East County Behavioral Health Hub Expands 24/7 Crisis Care Access
The County and partners celebrated the ribbon cutting Monday of the East Region Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) on Monday, marking a major milestone in expanding access to behavioral health services across the region.
The new, 14,000-square foot facility in El Cajon is the first behavioral health hub of its kind in East County. When it opens its doors this summer, it will become the eighth CSU in the County’s growing network, ensuring that of the County’s six Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) regions now has a dedicated 24/7 crisis care facility.
“Establishing access points throughout our entire County is critical to our ability to serve people in crisis,” said County Board of Supervisors Chair Terra Lawson–Remer. “Our Board has leaned in on making this happen, and I am confident lives will be changed for the better because of this new CSU.”
CSUs offer a calm, supportive environment specifically designed to help people experiencing a behavioral health crisis stabilize, providing a better place to recover compared to emergency rooms visits, hospitalizations or jail bookings. The unit also reduces strain on local hospitals by providing immediate care for people who do not need to be admitted.
“Having this CSU in the heart of East County benefits the community while providing our law enforcement partners a place that is specifically designed to stabilize and support them, instead of jail or a hospital,” said Supervisor Joel Anderson. “We’re also grateful that once a person’s stay here is complete, they will leave with a plan for care to support them on their wellness journey.”
Each CSU is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services include assessments, medication support, therapy, peer support and connection to ongoing behavioral health services. They also feature recliner chairs instead of hospital beds to create a more comfortable person-centered experience.
“These crisis stabilization units are a critical part of our overall behavioral health continuum of care,” said Nadia Privara-Brahms, County director of Behavioral Health Services. “We have made great strides as a region by building out mental health and substance use services and supports, and we will continue growing our network of care to ensure people can access care when they need it.”
The project cost nearly $29 million and was built on County-owned land. It meets U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED standards and includes solar panels that allow it to operate with a “Zero Net Energy” footprint—producing more energy than it uses.
County Behavioral Health Services supports people and families by providing mental health and substance use services across the region. BHS works with community partners to ensure residents can access safe, effective and culturally informed care when they need it. From prevention and early intervention to crisis response, treatment and long-term recovery supports, Behavioral Health Services helps people stay healthy, connected and supported in their communities.
For more information about County behavioral health services, visit the Behavioral Health Services webpage. To learn more about Crisis Stabilization Units, visit the CSU webpage.
