Residential Crisis Stabilization Unit (RCSU)
Is a short-term, community-based facility that provides 24/7 support for individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises. These units serve as alternatives to inpatient hospitalization, aiming to stabilize individuals in a less restrictive environment and facilitate their return to the community.
Key Features
Short-Term Care
Short-Term Care
RCSUs offer temporary residential services, typically allowing stays up to 15 days, focusing on rapid stabilization and recovery.
RCSUs offer temporary residential services, typically allowing stays up to 15 days, focusing on rapid stabilization and recovery.
Comprehensive Services
Comprehensive Services
Individuals receive a range of Evaluations, Counseling, Medication Management, and Crisis Support
Individuals receive a range of Evaluations, Counseling, Medication Management, and Crisis Support
​24/7 Staffing
24/7 Staffing
24/7 Support: Multidisciplinary Team of Psychiatrists, Nurses, Therapists, and Peer Specialists
24/7 Support: Multidisciplinary Team of Psychiatrists, Nurses, Therapists, and Peer Specialists
Community Integration
Community Integration
Connecting Individuals to Community Resources, Support Systems, and Follow-Up Care for Ongoing Recovery
Connecting Individuals to Community Resources, Support Systems, and Follow-Up Care for Ongoing Recovery
​Diversion and Step-Down Services
​Diversion and Step-Down Services
RCSUs: A Diversion from Hospitalization and a Step-Down Option for Post-Inpatient Care
RCSUs: A Diversion from Hospitalization and a Step-Down Option for Post-Inpatient Care
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Benefits of Residential Crisis Stabilization Unit
Reduced Hospitalization
By providing immediate, intensive support in a residential setting, RCSUs help decrease the need for inpatient psychiatric admissions.
Personalized Care
The structured yet home-like environment allows for individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs.
​Enhanced Recovery
Access to a variety of therapeutic services and continuous support fosters a holistic approach to crisis resolution and recovery.
​In Virginia, RCSUs are integral components of the behavioral health crisis response system, providing essential services to individuals in need and supporting overall community mental health.
For more detailed information on specific RCSU programs and services, individuals can refer to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) or local community service boards.
Eligibility Criteria
for Residential Crisis Stabilization Unit
The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) has established specific eligibility criteria for admission into a Residential Crisis Stabilization Unit (RCSU). To qualify, an individual must meet all of the following conditions:
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Active Behavioral Health CrisisThe individual is currently experiencing a significant behavioral health crisis requiring immediate intervention.
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Need for Urgent InterventionThe individual is currently experiencing a significant behavioral health crisis requiring immediate intervention.
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Presence of Specific Risk FactorsThe individual is currently experiencing a significant behavioral health crisis requiring immediate intervention.
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Potential for DecompensationThe individual is currently experiencing a significant behavioral health crisis requiring immediate intervention.
These criteria are detailed in the “Residential Crisis Stabilization Unit Medical Necessity Criteria” document provided by the Virginia Medicaid Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS).
It’s important to note that individuals admitted under a Temporary Detention Order (TDO) have their medical necessity established, and services specified in a TDO cannot be limited or denied by DMAS or its contractors.
For the most accurate and personalized information, individuals should contact their local RCSU provider or community services board. In Virginia, residents can dial 988 to connect with crisis services and receive guidance on available support.
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