Nevada County Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Unit had it’s Grand Opening this month, It’s something that the region has really needed according to Western Sierra Medical Center Psychiatrist , Dr.Karen Higgins…

click to listen to Dr. Karen Higgins

The CSU is a 24-hour program that provides emergency psychiatric care in a warm, welcoming environment for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The 4-bed CSU provides more in-depth treatment to individuals while behavioral health crisis workers determine if they need to be transferred to a psychiatric hospital or can respond to outpatient services. Overall, the quality of mental health services is increased and fewer individuals will need to be transferred to out of county psychiatric hospitals. ..

click to listen to Dr. Karen Higgins

The patient experience will be more positive, and families will have easy access to their loved ones while receiving treatment. Specialty psychiatric medication management will be provided on site, with telepsychiatry as a backup option. The facility will provide enhanced safety and security for both patients and staff. Dr. Higgins says she does see more patients with psychological problems around the holidays.

The CSU is a collaborative project with Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, Sierra Mental Wellness Group, and Nevada County Behavioral Health. The project was made possible by funding from Senate Bill 82 – The Investment in Mental Health Wellness Act and the California Health Facilities Financing Authority (CHFFA).

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