San Diego City Wire

San Diego County is expanding its Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) network in collaboration with Sharp HealthCare. This partnership will add six new specialized beds at the Chula Vista Medical Center, specifically serving Medi-Cal patients. The Board of Supervisors approved this initiative, which marks the region's seventh CSU, with another expected to open later this year in El Cajon.

The decision comes amid rising emergency department discharges for individuals diagnosed with behavioral health disorders at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. Between 2020 and 2022, the rate increased from 275 per 10,000 to 304 per 10,000.

Dr. Luke Bergmann, director of County Behavioral Health Services, emphasized the importance of CSUs: "The need and impact of these units is clear. CSUs have been demonstrated to lead to up to 70 percent reductions in inpatient placements." He added that patients treated in CSUs are more likely to be effectively connected to ongoing care in community-based settings conducive to long-term recovery.

The model being implemented is known as Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing (EmPATH). This approach facilitates a seamless transition for crisis stabilization within a hospital setting and alleviates pressure on emergency departments.

Nancy Greengold, MD, MBA, Chief Operating Officer at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center stated: “Sharp recognizes the dire need for the community to be able to access mental health and substance use disorder treatment services across different levels of care, including crisis care.” She expressed pride in partnering with the County to offer these services through their EmPATH unit.

Sharp HealthCare secured a one-time state grant of $2.9 million for establishing the unit at their medical center. The annual operational cost is estimated at up to $9.1 million.

Crisis Stabilization Units play a crucial role by providing immediate support and treatment for those experiencing psychiatric emergencies. Since 2018, San Diego County has expanded these units across various locations in the region.