A group of psychiatrists, therapists, and nurse practitioners with similar views concerning the practice of psychiatry and psychotherapy. PCSD is among the largest and oldest integrated private practice behavioral health groups in the United States and adheres to the medical model of psychiatry wherein the diagnosis is of the utmost importance in determining the treatment plan for each individual. This method has proven to be clinically sound and goal directed. PCSD has practiced in San Diego County since 1972, and has enjoyed a reputation for its state-of-the-art treatment and quality of care. The members of PCSD are active in inpatient and outpatient care, medical and clinical administration, research, teaching, lecturing, and clinical writing. Our physicians are trained in evaluation, rapid intervention, short term treatment, and sophisticated medication management. Likewise, our psychologists and therapists are trained in individual, couples, and family therapy, as well as group, short term crisis intervention, and long-term psychotherapy, when appropriate. Our nurse practitioners are equally trained in crisis intervention and medication management. Their mission is to provide high quality, comprehensive, and cost-effective behavioral health care to our community. They are governed by its Board of Directors whose responsibility is to ensure the highest quality of care for our patients. The Quality Management and Improvement Committee and its two Sub-Committees, the Utilization Management and Credentialing Committees, report directly to the PCSD Board of Directors regarding all levels of care. To ensure the highest quality of care for our patients, they are dedicated to meeting the following standards set forth by the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA) .