San Diego County will open a new Crisis Stabilization Unit on Monday in El Cajon, creating the first facility of its kind in East County. East County Magazine reported that the 14,000-square-foot behavioral health treatment center is located at the corner of South Magnolia and West Douglas avenues.

County officials said the unit will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide immediate mental health support, stabilization and treatment for people in psychiatric or substance use crises. The county said the goal is to offer a community-based alternative to emergency departments, hospitals and jails.

The county said the $28 million facility was built on county-owned property and will become the eighth Crisis Stabilization Unit in the region. Staff will assess whether clients need medication, housing connections, substance use services or other support, and the site includes a relaxation area, reclining chairs, an outdoor patio, showers, laundry facilities and lockers.

The opening adds a new behavioral health resource closer to East County communities, including Santee. According to the report, people can walk in through the front door for a safety assessment and triage, while law enforcement and behavioral health response teams will have a separate drop-off entrance for handoffs.