MHMRA of Harris County

CRISIS STABILIZATION UNIT (CSU)

CSU ADMISSION CRITERIA:

Uninsured voluntary consumer with a GAF < 50.

Resident of Harris County, AND

Capacity to make a decision to enter into voluntary treatment, AND

Validated principal DSM-IV Axis I or II diagnosis, AND

Treatment at a lower level of care has been attempted or given serious
consideration, AND EITHER:

	Loss of ability to perform activities of daily living due to moderate impairment in judgment, poor impulse control, or moderate impairment in cognitive perceptual abilities.
	Danger to self; Danger to others.
	Danger to property where such damage would endanger others.
	The presence of a coexisting medical condition that would complicate or interfere with the treatment of the psychiatric disorder at a less intensive level of care.
	A high risk for placing self or others at risk for significant harm through impulsive behavior or exercising poor judgment.
	Consumer has deteriorated to level of disorganization and dysfunction that they cannot cooperate with outpatient care or treatment plan.

REFERRAL PROCEDURE:

1.	Call the Crisis Stabilization Unit to determine if a bed is available (713-970-4634 OR 713-970-4642). Transfers may be done 24 hours a day.
2.	Administrative clearance is obtained by calling Mende Snodgress (713-970-7433) If unable to reach Mende Snodgress, contact the Psychiatric Emergency Service Charge nurse at 713-970-4640.
3.	Fax any evaluations, laboratory work-ups, or other important clinical information to (713-970-4692).
4.	A doctor to doctor is done with Dr. Charles Barker (713-970-4648). In his absence call Dr. Avrim Fishkind (713-970-4606). If neither physician is available contact the Psychiatric Emergency Service Psychiatrist (713-970-4640).
5.	During weekday business hours, a nurse to nurse is completed with the nursing manager (713-970-4642). If unavailable or after hours and on weekends, contact the Psychiatric Emergency Room charge nurse (713-970-4640).
6.	Complete a memorandum of transfer and transfer the patient to the CSU.