San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital

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• What services are offered at the San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital?

  The Hospital is an accredited and licensed facility that operates a continuum of care for adults ages 18 and older including the Emergency Psychiatric Unit (EPU) for crisis intervention and stabilization; and the Crisis Recovery Unit (CRU) for inpatient care.

• What is the Emergency Psychiatric Unit?

  The Emergency Psychiatric Unit (EPU) offers crisis assessment and intervention, as well as an 18-bed crisis stabilization unit. All arrivals begin in the EPU where decisions about admission are made between the individual seeking care and the psychiatrist. 

• What is the Crisis Recovery Unit?

  The Crisis Recovery Unit (CRU) offers inpatient services with two-beds within most rooms. While staying in the CRU, individuals receive therapeutic programming to enhance communication, social, leisure, decision-making, and symptom management skills; and work towards emotional regulation and community integration.

• Is care available in languages other than English?

  The Hospital provides translation services onsite through employees, and via phone, video or in-person through contracted interpreters.

• Do I need to have insurance to receive services at the Hospital?

  No, any individual will receive services regardless of whether the person has insurance or not.

• Is there a cost to receiving services at the Hospital?

  If the person has insurance, the hospital may charge insurance companies for the cost of services but individuals will receive services regardless of their ability to pay.  

• Can I visit my family member while they are in the Hospital?

  Yes. Effective July 1, 2024, visiting hours will be 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. daily from Monday-Sunday, including holidays.

  Patients may have two visitors at a time. Visitors must be 18 years or older with a valid form of identification.

   

• What is the typical length of stay?

  The length of stay varies for each patient and is dependent on the individual’s psychiatric emergency and assessment of need.  

• What happens to my loved one after discharge?

  Hospital staff work collaboratively with care providers, families, and the individual receiving care to develop a discharge plan that is safe and therapeutic. Care coordination and connection to other services is provided prior to discharge.  

• What other care is available in San Diego County?

  County Behavioral Health Services offers a wide array of treatment services and supports for mental health and substance use conditions. Call the County’s Access and Crisis Line at 1-888-724-7240 to speak to a licensed clinician 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.