Crisis Stabilization Units
Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs)
For those in crisis who are in need of around-the-clock care on a short-term basis, Kennebec Behavioral Health offers an alternative to hospitalization. KBH operates crisis stabilization units (CSUs) in Kennebec and Somerset counties. Adult residential homes are located in Waterville.
What to expect
Each of the houses KBH operates is staffed 24 hours a day by a professionally trained and caring staff. The houses can accommodate between four and five individuals each. A stay at one of the houses is typically between one and seven days. The length of stay is determined by each client’s need.
Our trained staff work with clients and their families or support systems to provide crisis stabilization and address issues such as suicidal or homicidal thoughts or actions, aggression, depression, anxiety and family conflicts.
The CSUs provide:
- Twenty-four-hour care by trained staff
- A less restrictive setting than psychiatric hospitalization
- Individualized treatment planning geared to clients’ needs
- Groups to provide clients with support and skills to manage symptoms
- Discharge, safety, and aftercare planning to help clients transition back to the community
- Crisis follow-up care as needed
What happens during a stay?
The overall goal of a stay at one of KBH’s Crisis Stabilization Units is for a client to stabilize. Residential staff develop a treatment plan with each individual and work with clients on coping skills to help deal with stress and symptoms of any mental illness or life stressors they may be facing.
Clients process stressful situations (grief, financial pressures, family troubles, etc.) through meetings with clinical staff. Regular use of any prescribed medication is supported and administered by certified residential medication assistants (CRMAs), in consultation with a clients’ prescriber, as needed.
Family and significant others are involved as much as possible. Clients are reassessed for safety on a daily basis, and a safety plan is developed when they are discharged if indicated.
Other important information:
Each house is a voluntary program, not a locked unit. Admission requires a valid clinical reason, and safety and mental health needs are a factor. Stays are intended to be short and intensive, and clients are assessed by staff on a daily basis.
Admission Criteria
Admission to one of the crisis stabilization units is based on a recommendation by the mobile crisis team or by referral from another health care provider, and on the results of a completed crisis evaluation.
Assignment to a house depends on many factors such as mental and emotional status and support needs of each resident.
This service is available in the following regions:
- Kennebec County
- Somerset County
- Statewide via other providers
To be evaluated to enter one of our Crisis Stabilization Units please call the Crisis Team at (207) 621-2552.
We are required to bill for our services. MaineCare and private insurance will pay for many of our services.