Program Description
The Residential Crisis Stabilization Unit (RCSU) is a short-term, community-based, 24-hour residential service designed to provide immediate, intensive mental health care to individuals experiencing an acute behavioral health crisis that does not require hospitalization. The goal is to stabilize individuals in crisis, prevent unnecessary psychiatric hospitalizations, and link them to ongoing outpatient services.
RCSUs are licensed and regulated by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and reimbursed by Virginia Medicaid (DMAS) when medically necessary.
Key Features of the RCSU Program:
24/7 supervision and support in a structured, safe, and therapeutic residential setting.
Daily psychiatric and medical oversight.
Individualized treatment planning and crisis intervention.
Counseling, medication management, and recovery-based supports.
Linkage and coordination with ongoing community services.
Maximum length of stay: 5 days per episode, with some exceptions based on medical necessity.
Core Services Provided (DBHDS/DMAS Standards)
Comprehensive clinical assessment upon admission.
Daily psychiatric services (assessment, medication initiation or adjustment).
24-hour supervision by trained direct support professionals.
Crisis counseling and de-escalation.
Individual and group therapy by QMHPs and LMHPs.
Discharge planning with coordinated transitions to outpatient care.
Substance use assessment and services, as applicable.
Basic health monitoring and coordination with primary care providers.
Community integration and recovery planning.
Admission Criteria (Per DBHDS/DMAS Guidelines)
Individuals must meet ALL of the following criteria:
1. Clinical Necessity
Exhibiting acute psychiatric symptoms (e.g., severe depression, mania, psychosis, suicidal ideation, or severe anxiety).
Behaviors represent a significant deterioration in functioning but do not require inpatient hospitalization.
At risk of inpatient admission without timely intervention.
Unable to be safely maintained in a less intensive level of care.
2. Medical Safety
Medically stable and not in need of acute medical care.
Free of withdrawal symptoms that require medical detoxification.
Individual can be safely treated in a non-hospital residential setting.
3. Functional Ability
Capable of participating in and benefitting from crisis stabilization programming.
Able to engage in group or individual treatment and participate in daily activities.
4. Voluntary Admission
The individual must consent to treatment or be under a temporary detention order (TDO) with proper legal and clinical review.