Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Stabilization Unit (CAPSU)

A short-stay unit for children and youth ages six to 16 who need mental health crisis stabilization for two to seven days. Specialized team members support children and youth, and their families/caregivers, to start a treatment plan and help them recover. Referrals are done in hospital emergency departments. The Adolescent Psychiatric Unit (APU) offers youth ages 12 to 17 services including assessment, group activities, a school component to support academic needs, and referrals to specialists and community services for follow-up care. Youth usually stay for four weeks at APU. Referrals accepted by Child and Youth Mental Health at Ministry of Children and Family Services (MCFD), Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) programs or CAPSU; an accompanying psychiatric assessment/consultation required. Patients have their own room, shared washrooms, access to outdoor space, and eat in a common area. Serves Fraser Health residents.