I am excited to be expanding Behavioral Health Services in District 4 by bringing a Crisis Stabilization Unit to Simi Valley. The East County Crisis Stabilization Unit “CSU” is underway and will offer short term mental health care for people experiencing a mental health crisis. It will provide them with immediate access to mental health services, allowing them to receive the help they need in a timely manner. It will prevent hospitalization, and will provide short-term treatment, allowing individuals to stabilize and return to their communities more quickly. Crisis stabilization units work closely with community resources, like mental health providers, social service agencies, and law enforcement to ensure an individual in crisis receives the comprehensive care and support they need. It is often more cost-effective than hospitalization as a CSU provides intensive treatment and support at a lower cost, helping to reduce overall healthcare expenses and improving outcomes for individuals in crisis. It will also improve efficiency by allowing first responders to bring a patient to the CSU, no longer having to wait in an emergency room with the patient and get back out in the field.

The Crisis Stabilization Unit will be joining the current Ventura County Substance Use Treatment Services location on Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley.