Crisis Residential Programs

The Crisis Residential Program (CRP) provides short-term, voluntary mental health support for adults experiencing a mental health crisis. It is for people who need more support than outpatient care but do not need to be in a hospital. 

Crisis Residential Program (CRP) offers a safe, home-like setting where people can stabilize, regroup, and begin planning next steps in their recovery. Services are designed to help people avoid unnecessary hospital stays and support transitions from inpatient settings. The program also assists people to plan next steps and return to the community. 

How to Access the Crisis Residential Program 

Crisis Residential Program is accessed through a referral process.  

  1. Complete the Crisis Residential Program Referral Form

    The referring provider must complete the Crisis Residential Program Referral Form. 

  2. Submit Required Documentation

    The referral form and required attachments must be submitted as instructed on the form. Download the referral form. 

Purpose and What to Expect

What Is the Purpose of the Crisis Residential Program (CRP)? 

The program is designed to: 

  • Provide short-term crisis stabilization in a non-locked, supportive environment 
  • Divert people from emergency departments and inpatient psychiatric hospitalization when appropriate 
  • Support transitions from higher levels of care back into the community 
  • Offer structure, support, and connection during a period of stress 
  • Help people stabilize and move forward with ongoing care and services 

Stays are time-limited (up to 30 days) and focused on stabilization, recovery, and planning for what comes next. People can either transition into a higher or lower level of care. 

What to Expect at Crisis Residential Program (CRP) 

People staying at Crisis Residential Program (CRP) can expect: 

  • A home-like, unlocked setting 
  • A structured daily schedule with supportive activities 
  • Support from trained staff, including peers with lived experience 
  • A calm, safe space to take a break from the stressors contributing to crisis 
  • Help connecting to ongoing services, housing, treatment, or other community supports 

Crisis Residential Program is not a locked facility and does not function like an inpatient hospital unit. 

Who Is Crisis Residential Program (CRP) For? 

Crisis Residential Program serves adults ages 18+ who are experiencing a mental health crisis and can benefit from short-term residential support. The program may be appropriate for people who: 

  • Are in crisis and need stabilization 
  • Are stepping down from a hospital or higher level of care 
  • Need more support than outpatient services can provide 
  • Are able to participate in a voluntary, recovery-oriented program 

Crisis Residential Program includes specialized programs, such as The STAY, which serves Transitional Age Youth (TAY). 

The STAY: Transitional Age Youth Crisis Residential Program 

Sacramento’s Transitional Age Youth Crisis Residential Program is part of the broader Crisis Residential Program network. 

The STAY serves young adults ages 18–29 who are experiencing a mental health crisis and need short-term residential support in a developmentally responsive setting. 

 

Services at The STAY

  • Follow the same voluntary, non-locked crisis residential model as Crisis Residential Program 
  • Are tailored to the needs of transitional-age youth 
  • Focus on stabilization, recovery, and connection to ongoing care, education, employment, and housing supports 

Eligibility Overview 

Eligibility for Crisis Residential Program is determined on a case-by-case basis through a referral and clinical review. In general, individuals must: 

  • Be a Sacramento County resident 
  • Be 18 years of age or older 
  • Be willing to participate in a voluntary, self-help program 
  • Meet medical necessity criteria for specialty mental health services 
  • Be able to benefit from crisis stabilization services 
  • Be ambulatory and able to independently manage self-care 
  • Have Medi-Cal coverage 

 

Important notes

Lack of housing alone does not qualify someone for Crisis Residential Program 

A TB test is required 

A provider must document the need for this level of care using a ​​602 form

Some Crisis Residential Programs have on-site rules such as no smoking, no pets, etc. 

Who Is Not Eligible 

Crisis Residential Program may not be appropriate for individuals who: 

  • Have private insurance only 
  • Have active tuberculosis (TB) 
  • Require a locked or inpatient level of care 
  • Are unable to safely participate in a voluntary residential setting 

Final eligibility is determined through the referral process. 

Important Program Information 

  • Stays are short-term, up to 30 days 
  • Admission is voluntary 
  • Services focus on stabilization and connection to next steps 
  • Even if a site is full, people and providers are encouraged to call, ask questions, and learn about options 

Benefits to the community  

Crisis Residential Program helps: 

  • Reduce unnecessary hospitalizations 
  • Provide timely support during mental health crises 
  • Support recovery in a less restrictive environment 
  • Relieve pressure on emergency departments 
  • Help people stabilize and reconnect with care 

How to seek help 

If you or someone you support may benefit from crisis residential services: 

  • Call a Crisis Residential Program site directly 
  • Talk with a provider about a referral 
  • Learn more, even if beds are currently full 

Knowing this option exists can make a difference during a crisis. 

Important Contact Information – Crisis Residential Program Sites