At Zepf Center, meeting the needs of our community is at the heart of everything we do, especially during times of crisis. The latest evolution of our trauma-informed, integrated care includes the addition of a Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) to our growing continuum of behavioral health services.

Zepf Center’s original Adult CSU officially opened its doors on March 7, 2022, with a community open house. The department began to welcome clients two months later in May of that year. Since then, the CSU has grown into a vital community resource, filling a gap for individuals who need short-term inpatient mental health support but do not meet the criteria for hospitalization.

Over time, CSU services have expanded to include 24/7 nursing care, full-time peer support, and increased availability of licensed clinicians, creating a responsive, person-centered environment where every individual is treated with empathy and respect. The team has embraced a "no wrong door" approach, meaning they do not turn people away, and instead offer the most appropriate level of care to help clients begin their path toward healing.

“The CSU continues to grow and change every day that it is open,” said Sr. Director of Crisis Innovation and Community Support Courtney Burrow. “Our staff are ready and willing to adapt to meet the increasing needs of our community. Without their dedication and flexibility, these services could not exist.”

With the growing mental health needs among young people, creating a youth-specific CSU became a critical next step for Zepf Center. Many youth in the surrounding community struggle with emotional distress, school-related pressure, home instability, or the negative impacts of social media. Even though the emotions and grief they are experiencing can feel overwhelming for a young person, these youth often do not meet the criteria for hospital-level care. The Youth CSU addresses this gap, offering a safe, structured environment where children and teens can receive support tailored to their needs.

The newly remodeled space was intentionally designed to promote safety, healing, and development. Features include individual bedrooms for privacy and comfort, dedicated schoolwork area with staff support, a kitchenette for easy access to snacks and drinks, and low-stimulation rooms with dimmable lights, soft seating, and textured acoustic panels to promote calm.

The goal of this initiative is simple: to give youth hope, help them build resilience, and equip them with the tools they need to return to their daily lives feeling stronger and more supported.

Every day at the CSU is structured to create a balance between care, connection, and independence. Youth clients will experience morning rounds with a provider, medication management (if applicable), therapeutic youth-focused group sessions, recreational and structured activities, meals and downtime with peers and staff, and evening wrap-up sessions to reflect and unwind. Because crises don’t follow a set schedule, our team is trained to be flexible and adapt group topics or services to fit the real-time needs of our clients.

At Zepf Center, the CSU isn’t just a place to get through a tough time—it’s a gateway to deeper healing. Once an individual is enrolled as a Zepf client, youth and adults can access any additional Zepf Center services within our continuum of care and be referred to programs of their choice. Our Mobile Response, Screening, and Stabilization (MRSS) team and Safety Net Youth Shelter also work in close collaboration with the Youth CSU to provide comprehensive care in both community and residential settings.

These units adhere to a high standard of quality care, which is already yielding powerful results for clients. As our services and departments continue to grow, we are committed to being a constant and compassionate resource for youth and families in crisis. Our Youth CSU marks an important milestone in that journey, but it’s only the beginning.

With the help of our neighbors and supporters, Zepf Center will continue to build a future where every young person in our community has access to the care they need when they need it most.

“For over 50 years, our team has continually adapted to meet the evolving needs of our community,” said CEO Deb Flores. “Our local youth represent the future. When we invest in their mental health and wellbeing, we’re not just helping them—we’re safeguarding the future of our entire community.”

Zepf Center’s Youth CSU will be open to the public in the coming weeks. Follow along on social media for the latest updates, including information about our community open house. This event will give the surrounding communities a chance to tour the unit and learn more about our full continuum of trauma-informed, integrated care.

In preparation for the launch of the Youth CSU, Zepf Center staff were asked to choose a new unit name that reflected the purpose and spirit of the space. Their collaborative decision will be announced at the open house to highlight the deep commitment and care the team brings to supporting young people in crisis. The name will represent more than a program—it will symbolize hope, healing, and a safe place to grow.

For more information about crisis services at Zepf Center, visit https://www.zepfcenter.org/crisis-care-services/. For immediate help with mental health or emotional distress, call our Crisis Care line at 419-904-2273 to be connected with a local mental health professional 24/7.