For Crisis Stabilization and MISA/Detox Services, call: (618) 877-0316.

Chestnut Health Systems provides 24-hour short-term supervised care for persons aged 18 years and older experiencing an acute psychiatric crisis who do not require hospitalization. Residents of Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, Washington, and Bond Counties are eligible for this program. Admission to our crisis stabilization unit is voluntary; we accept only those individuals who choose to come to the unit. The facility is not prepared to work with persons who may be actively suicidal or homicidal, or who are experiencing serious medical problems or complications. The unit is staffed with nurses and behavioral technicians, but it is not a hospital.

Adults may stay in the crisis stabilization beds for seven to ten days. During their stay on the unit, clients spend time in groups that meet four or more times a day. The groups provide education on topics helpful for persons in crisis, and clients are expected to attend and to participate actively. Chestnut will provide the safe and supportive environment conducive to achieving stability. Clients are expected to contribute to their recovery by assuming responsibility for several tasks, including:

• Personal care and grooming;
• Making one's bed and keeping one's bedroom neat;
• Laundering and returning towels, linens, scrubs, and other items issued by Chestnut;
• Taking all medications as prescribed by the doctor;
• Cleaning up after using the kitchen, common area, bathroom, and shower area;
• Maintaining a peaceful environment;
• Following one's individual treatment plan.

No alcohol or drugs are allowed on the unit; all medications are dispensed by Chestnut nurses at appropriate times. Clients may smoke in a designated area outside the building; cigarettes and lighters are kept at the nurse's station and distributed at appropriate times. No visitors are allowed on the unit, but there is a phone available for clients to use to make calls.

Persons may refer themselves for crisis stabilization services, and may be referred by hospitals, police departments, mental health agencies, social service agencies, families, friends, and the Alton Mental Health Center. Payment for services is through Medicaid or a sliding fee scale.