Crisis Intervention

Question 1

What is Crisis?

Answer 1

any situation where an individual experiences an overwhelming event which upsets one’s psychological equilibrium or baseline level of functioning.

Question 2

Types of Crisis:

Answer 2

Maturational Crisis

Situational Crisis

Question 3

One’s usual methods of problem solving or coping are not effective in a crisis
● A crisis is self-defined by one’s own perception of the event or situation

Answer 3

What is Crisis?

Question 4

Precipitated by normal stress during the course of life

○ Examples: marriage, birth of a child, retirement

Answer 4

Maturational Crisis

Question 5

Precipitated by a sudden traumatic event that is unexpected

○ Examples: death of a loved one, loss of a job, illness

Answer 5

Situational Crisis

Question 6

Factors which influence reactions:

Answer 6

Nature of the event and extent of exposure
● Perception of the event
● Social supports and coping mechanisms

Question 7

can last from 2 days to 6 weeks

Answer 7

How long can a Crisis last?

Question 8

What is Crisis Intervention?

Answer 8

is brief treatment initiated when an individual is in a crisis to help restore one’s pre-crisis biopsychosocial functioning.

Question 9

Supportive, focused psychotherapy

● 1-6 sessions during period of crisis

Answer 9

Crisis Intervention

Question 10

Establish therapeutic relationship

● Identify precipitating problems

Answer 10

Listen

Question 11

Determine the severity of the crisis
● Assess the client for safety risks and suicidal/homicidal ideation
● Assess coping mechanisms being used

Answer 11

Assessment

Question 12

Explore the clients emotions

Answer 12

Listen

Question 13

Understand meaning of the precipitating event to the client
● Determine the client’s perception of reality
● Determine client’s social supports and willingness to use supports
● Focus on the immediate problem and not the client’s history

Answer 13

Assessment

Question 14

Review progress
● Review resources and support system
● Schedule a follow-up session

Answer 14

Termination

Question 15

Help the client understand their reaction to a crisis as normal and temporary
● Selectively choose and use appropriate approaches to action planning
● Modify or eliminate past coping skills so they don’t interfere with your current 

plan of attack

Answer 15

Treatment Plan

Question 16

Main focus is on restoring a client’s equilibrium or baseline functioning
● Assist the client in developing new coping mechanisms to deal with the
immediate crisis and any future difficulties
● Assist the client in developing problem-solving skills
● Assist client in mobilizing social supports and services

Answer 16

Goals

Question 17

Create a contract or have the patent sign a treatment plan so you are both on the 

same page
● Identify useful referral resources

Answer 17

Treatment Plan

Question 18

Last Step in Treatment Plan-Use three basic approaches:

Answer 18

○ Start by being non-directive – let the patient tell you why he/she has come to you
○ Be collaborative - work together on a joint plan
○ Be directive - if the person does not or will not make a plan