• Programs & Services
• Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility
• Rapid Stabilization Unit
• Community-based Services
• Cleo Wallace Academy

Rapid Stabilization Unit

Devereux Colorado provides a unique short-term residential/hospital divert program for children and adolescents. Our Rapid Stabilization Unit stabilizes individuals with acute mental illness and behavioral health challenges. The program delivers individualized treatment to shorten lengths of stay, stabilize crises and assist with discharge planning to ensure a safe and successful re-integration back into the community.

Program Description

Located in Westminster, Colorado, this 18-bed unit is available to youth, ages 7 to 19. Admissions are accepted 24/7, and are assessed by highly-trained clinicians or registered nurses. Individual therapy is conducted up to three times per week, family therapy is held at least twice per week and multiple therapy groups meet daily. Educational programming and recreation therapy round out the program. A psychiatrist meets with an individual within 72 hours of admission, and then, on a weekly basis for medication evaluation and management. Community services and case management are coordinated during the admission process to help facilitate family engagement and effective discharge planning. 

Criteria for admission

Devereux Colorado can accept individuals on a mental health hold. Generally, referrals are for youth requiring crisis stabilization for suicidal or homicidal thoughts, severe mood dysregulation or other symptoms of acute mental illness. These individuals do not pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others, have community and/or family support and can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy. For medically fragile or lower-functioning individuals (IQ below 70), admissions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Youth may be transported to Devereux by the family or via ambulance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will youth remain in the Rapid Stabilization Unit?

The average length of stay can vary, but is generally between five days and four weeks. For some, the stay may be shorter if community resources are established.

What do youth need to bring?

We recommend youth bring at least three days’ worth of weather-appropriate clothing. Belts or clothing with strings are not allowed on the unit. In addition, cellphones, computers and other electronic devices are not allowed on the unit.

When will a clinician be in contact with the family?

A clinician will be in contact with an individual’s family or legal guardian within 24 hours of admission. Weekend admissions will hear from a clinician on the following business day.

Are youth responsible for bringing their own medication?

When possible, it is helpful to have youth bring medications with them to the unit.

What insurance is accepted?

Devereux Colorado accepts most major commercial insurance, Colorado Medicaid and Kaiser Permanente. When possible, the referring clinician or assessment team will be asked to obtain initial authorization. Our team will conduct routine utilization reviews with the insurance company. Please be aware this level of service is not always an insured benefit. The insured will be fiscally responsible for outstanding charges not covered by his or her insurance company.

What are visiting hours? 

Approved visitors are welcome daily 5:30 p.m.-7:15 p.m.