New Crisis Stabilization Unit opening in El Cajon

April 18, 2026 (El Cajon) — The County of San Diego will open its newest Crisis Stabilization Unit — the first located in East County — on Monday in  El Cajon.

The 14,000-square-foot behavioral health treatment facility is located at the corner of South Magnolia and West Douglas avenues.

The unit will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure that people in a psychiatric or substance use crisis can access immediate mental health support, stabilization and treatment.

Because CSUs are community-based, they offer a more effective option for urgent behavioral health care than emergency departments, hospitals or jails.

The new $28 million El Cajon CSU was built on County‑owned property and will become the eighth CSU serving the region[1]. It is part of the County’s broader investment in expanding behavioral health infrastructure, which also includes the Behavioral Health Wellness Campus[2] on Rosecrans.

County officials say that part of the goal is diverting people from unnecessary emergency department visits, which has been very successful in other areas of the county.

CSU’s are an ideal option for individuals who  do not need long term hospitalization, but cannot be treated in a regular outpatient setting.

Anyone in need of help can walk in the front door of the facility. Upon arrival, the person in need will be met by staff for a safety assessment and then triaged by clinical  and medical teams.

A separate dropoff entrance serves law enforcement and other behavioral health response teams, where a handoff to the CSU team allows first responders to efficiently get back to work quickly.

County leaders say the facility is meeting people’s basic needs as well as figuring out if they need medication or other services, be it aconnection to housing, substance use services or something else.

While client needs are being assessed, there is a dedicated relaxation area for stabilization, a place to get snacks and people to support them. The self calming room has warm colors, low lighting and 16 comfortable reclining chairs. There is also an outdoor patio with greenery, a water feature and custom artwork designed to inspire hope, renewal and happiness.

Nursing staff and clinicians will be able to work with the clients to determine how they are feeling and what  are the next steps are to de-escalate, bring about calm and figure out a longer term plan.

The nursing staff, social workers and peer support staff stay close and accessible to clients. Showers are also available, along with laundry facilities and lockers.

For more information on the county’s behavioral wellness services and projects, visit the county’s website here[3].