CMI briefingSC DPHBehavioral Health

SC crisis stabilization unit licensing standards

The specific state licensing regulation for behavioral health crisis stabilization facilities — a distinct category from general psychiatric or residential licensing.

SC Regulation 60-125 (Crisis Stabilization Unit Facilities), amended May 23, 2025 · Updated Nov 5, 2026

This page is CMI's own briefing on the topic, written by CMI. It is not the text of the regulation. Read the regulation itself in the Regulatory hub or at the official source.

What it governs: Regulation 60-125 sets licensing requirements for Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) facilities. Section 102.A requires a license to operate one.

ItemWhat the regulation says
Definition (§101.K)A facility operated by, or in partnership with, the Department of Mental Health (now the Office of Mental Health under BHDD)
Who is servedAdults 18 and older
Hours24 hours a day, 7 days a week
LicenseRequired to operate (§102.A)
Latest amendmentMay 23, 2025

Why this is a distinct category: A facility licensed for other behavioral health services is not automatically licensed as a CSU. Confirm that your license category matches your actual program before offering crisis stabilization.

Who can operate one: Because the definition ties a CSU to the Department of Mental Health (operating or partnering), a private or nonprofit provider should not assume it can license one independently. Confirm the pathway with DPH licensing and BHDD's Office of Mental Health first.

If your organization is considering adding crisis stabilization as a service line, treat this as a distinct licensing project from your existing behavioral health licensure — don't assume your current license covers it.

View the official source ↗

General information, not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm against the official source before you act, or ask us how this applies to your organization.