Crisis Intervention

Question 1

Danger to self or others? Risk factors to consider. (11)

Answer 1

History of suicide attempts – number one indicator of future harm

Medical seriousness of attempt

Isolation – lives alone, lack of social supports

Presence of psychiatric disorder: depression, anxiety, etc.

substance abuse

Family/friend has history of suicide

Exposure to suicidal behavior via media or peers

Significant loss – relationship, job, financial, social

Easy access to firearm or other lethal weapon

Just started on antidepressants – may now have energy to carry out a plan

Just released from hospital

Question 2

Assessing danger to others: behavioral warning signs (8)

Answer 2

Substance use

Marked personality change

Angry outbursts

Obsession with killing, war, violence, weapons

Isolation from other others

Obtaining guns or other lethal weapons

Gang affiliation – hanging out with dangerous people

History of violence – especially if started before age 18

Question 3

Crisis – stage one (4)

Answer 3

Crisis assessment

Is medical attention needed?

Any impairment? This includes impairment due to substance use.

Anyone at risk of danger to self or others?

We do this initial assessment before establishing rapport

Question 4

Crisis – stage two (1)

Answer 4

Establish rapport – make psychological contact

Question 5

Crisis – stage three (4)

Answer 5

Assessment

Identify major problems – examine dimension of problems – such that one can define it

What was the last straw? The reason client is seeking help – or came to S W‘s attention.

What coping methods have been used in the past – or our previously in place? What strengths are in place?

Consider danger of lethality

Question 6

Crisis – stage four (3)

Answer 6

Encourage the exploration of feelings and emotions

Allow client to express feelings – validate them!

Meet client where they are at

Part of overall assessment is understanding how client feels about crisis situation

Question 7

Crisis stage five

Answer 7

Generate and explore alternatives and assessed past coping attempts.

Help client uncover coping tools that have been effective in the past.

Help client identify and change past coping methods that were ineffective or harmful.

Solution focused, approaches work! Focus on present and future

Question 8

Crisis: stage six

Answer 8

 development, form, an action plan

To do this, client must be in the right frame of mind. They must:

Have a realistic understanding of what happened and why
Understand how the crisis event interferes with their expectations, life, goals, and belief systems
SW helps client decrease or stop unhealthy perceptions and replaces them with healthier ones

From there, SW helps empower client to generate alternatives that will stop our lesson in crisis.

Example: client suffering DV might work with SW to find a shelter

Question 9

Crisis: stage seven

Answer 9

Follow up on referral. SW may refer client to outside services. SW may make an appointment to confirm client followed through with referral.

Question 10

Four goals apart this intervention

Answer 10

Reduce intensity of reactions
Restore pre-crisis functioning
Develop coping skills; decrease ineffective coping strategies
Assist with future difficulties