Oceanside Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)

When a person is going through a mental health or behavior crisis, they need help and a calming influence. The Oceanside Crisis Stabilization Unit was designed with biophilic/green elements so that each person experiencing this type of crisis can find peace of mind while getting the assistance they need.

To combat the emergency mental health crisis in the County, the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) chose to develop a new Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) out of an existing building. The unit is a walk-in facility designed to house adults with mental or behavioral issues for 24 hours. And, because it’s a mental health crisis facility, the building includes security features that protect patients from self-harm while protecting and promoting human dignity to the highest degree possible.

The architecture team designed full tenant improvements for the 8,300sf space (a former ground floor, under-office parking lot). The team integrated biophilic design to blend nature and built space by designing with plant walls, indoor/outdoor spaces, water features, views, and wall curvature more likely to be found in nature than in a building. It also includes one entrance for the public and a separate emergency entrance for police and fire personnel. The facility is sustainable and earned a LEED Gold certification.