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Crisis Support
What Is a Crisis Stabilization Unit? How It Works in WV
A crisis stabilization unit offers short-term support when you're in a mental health crisis. Here's what happens and how it's different from an emergency room.
Published March 16, 2026
A crisis stabilization unit — sometimes called a CSU — is a place where you can get short-term help during a mental health or substance use crisis. It’s not a hospital, and it’s not long-term treatment. It’s somewhere in between.
Most people have never heard of a CSU until they need one. This guide explains what it is, what happens there, and how it’s different from going to the emergency room.
What is a crisis stabilization unit?
A crisis stabilization unit is a safe place where you can stay for a few days when you’re in crisis. The goal is to help you feel stable enough to go home or move to the next level of care.
CSUs are voluntary. You choose to go. You’re not locked in, and you can leave if you decide it’s not right for you.
At a CSU, you’ll have access to:
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Medication evaluation and adjustments
- 24-hour nursing care
- Individual and group counseling
- Family support and intervention
The average stay is around 96 hours — about four days. Some people stay shorter. Some stay a bit longer.
When would someone go to a CSU?
You might go to a crisis stabilization unit if:
- You’re thinking about hurting yourself but don’t need a hospital
- You’re struggling with substance use and need a safe place to stabilize
- Your mental health symptoms are overwhelming and you need more support than outpatient therapy can provide right now
- You need medication adjustments and want 24-hour monitoring while that happens
- You’re not safe at home but don’t need inpatient hospitalization
A CSU is for people who need more than a therapy appointment but less than a psychiatric hospital stay.
How is a CSU different from an emergency room?
This is one of the most common questions.
Emergency Room (ER)
An ER is for medical emergencies. If you go to the ER for a mental health crisis, you’ll likely wait a long time. ERs are busy, loud, and not designed for mental health care. You might sit in a hallway or a room with a security guard until a bed opens up somewhere else.
ERs are the right choice if you’ve overdosed, have a serious medical issue, or are in immediate danger.
Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)
A CSU is designed specifically for mental health and substance use crises. It’s quieter. The staff are trained in crisis care. You’ll have access to counselors, not just doctors checking vitals.
You can walk in during office hours or call the crisis line to get connected. You won’t wait in a hallway. The environment is therapeutic, not medical.
If you’re not sure which one you need, call the crisis line at (800) 615-0122. They can help you decide.
What happens when you arrive at a CSU?
When you first arrive, a counselor will sit down with you and ask what’s going on. They’ll want to know:
- What brought you in today
- How you’ve been feeling
- Whether you’re thinking about hurting yourself
- What medications you’re taking
- What kind of support you have at home
This is called an assessment. It usually takes about an hour. The goal is to figure out what kind of help you need and whether the CSU is the right place for you.
If you decide to stay, you’ll be shown to a room. CSUs aren’t fancy, but they’re clean and safe. You’ll have a bed, a bathroom, and access to common areas.
What does a typical day look like?
Days at a CSU are structured but not rigid. You’ll have:
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Time to talk with a counselor one-on-one
- Group sessions where you can talk with others going through similar things
- Medication times if you’re taking anything
- Quiet time to rest or watch TV
- Visits from family if you want them
You’re not required to participate in everything, but most people find the groups helpful. It can be a relief to talk to someone who gets it.
Can family visit?
Yes, in most cases. Family visits are encouraged. A counselor may also meet with your family to help them understand what you’re going through and how they can support you.
If you don’t want certain people to visit, you can say so. It’s your choice.
What happens when you leave?
Before you leave, the staff will work with you on a discharge plan. This might include:
- Setting up an appointment with a therapist or psychiatrist
- Connecting you to ongoing services like counseling or medication management
- Making sure you have medications to take home
- Giving you crisis numbers to call if things get hard again
The goal isn’t just to help you feel better for a few days. It’s to set you up with support so you don’t end up back in crisis.
Do you have to have insurance?
No. Southern Highlands accepts all insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare. If you don’t have insurance, there’s a sliding fee scale based on what you can afford.
No one is turned away because they can’t pay.
What if you’re in a rural area?
Getting to a CSU can be hard if you live in a holler or a town without much public transit. If you can’t get to Princeton, you can call the crisis line at (800) 615-0122. They may be able to send a mobile crisis team to you, or help you figure out transportation.
Winter roads and long drives are real barriers in Southern West Virginia. The crisis line staff understand that and will work with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you leave whenever you want?
Yes. A CSU is voluntary. If you decide you want to leave, you can. The staff may encourage you to stay if they think you’re not ready, but they can’t force you.
Will you be locked in?
No. CSUs are not locked units. You’re free to leave.
What if you change your mind after the assessment?
That’s okay. You can decide not to stay. The counselor will help you figure out other options, like outpatient therapy or a follow-up appointment.
Can you bring your phone?
Policies vary, but most CSUs allow phones during certain hours. You may not be able to have it with you 24/7, but you’ll have access to it.
What if you need medical care while you’re there?
CSUs have 24-hour nursing staff. If something medical comes up, they can handle it or arrange for you to be seen at a hospital if needed.
If you’re in crisis and need help right away, call (800) 615-0122 to reach Southern Highlands’ crisis line. You can also walk in during office hours at the Princeton clinic. If you feel like you might hurt yourself or someone else, call or text 988 or call 911.