Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Crisis Intervention – Definition & Help

Crisis intervention is a short-term, targeted form of support for people experiencing acute mental health or social crises. The goal is stabilisation and prevention of escalation.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Crisis intervention"

Crisis intervention is a short-term, targeted form of support for people experiencing acute mental health or social crises. The goal is stabilisation and prevention of escalation.

What is Crisis Intervention?

Crisis intervention is a specialised, short-term approach used in psychology, psychiatry, and social work to stabilise and support individuals experiencing acute crises. A crisis can be triggered by sudden traumatic events, psychiatric decompensation, suicidal ideation, significant loss, or overwhelming stress. The intervention aims to prevent the situation from worsening and to help the affected individual regain a sense of control and functioning.

Causes and Triggers of Crises

Crises can arise from a wide range of events and circumstances. Common triggers include:

Sudden loss (e.g., bereavement, relationship breakdown, job loss)
Acute mental health conditions such as depression, psychosis, or panic attacks
Traumatic experiences including accidents, violence, or disasters
Suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviour
Chronic overload and burnout
Social crises such as homelessness or family conflict

Goals of Crisis Intervention

The primary goals of crisis intervention include:

Stabilisation of the emotional and psychological state of the affected person
Ensuring immediate safety, particularly in cases of suicidal risk
Restoring the capacity to act and activating personal resources
Connecting individuals with further support such as psychotherapy, inpatient care, or social counselling
Preventing the crisis from becoming chronic or escalating further

Methods and Approaches

Crisis intervention draws on established models such as the ABCDE model (Assess, Build rapport, Coping, Develop plan, Evaluate) and the six-step model by Gilliland and James. The typical process involves:

Contact and Rapport Building

A trusting relationship is established with the affected person. Active listening, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude are central to this phase.

Problem Assessment

The clinician evaluates the severity of the crisis, available coping resources, and the level of risk to the individual or others. Structured risk assessment tools are commonly used.

Action Planning

Concrete steps are developed together with the affected person to address the immediate crisis. Safety plans are created in cases of suicidal risk.

Resource Activation

Personal and social resources such as family support, previous coping strategies, and professional networks are mobilised.

Referral and Follow-up

Following acute crisis intervention, the person is referred to ongoing treatment or support services.

Settings and Care Structures

Crisis intervention takes place across various settings:

Telephone crisis counselling: available around the clock in many countries (e.g., the Samaritans in the UK: 116 123)
Mobile crisis teams: outreach services that visit individuals in need
Psychiatric emergency departments and outpatient psychiatric clinics
Crisis intervention teams (CIT) deployed after major incidents or disasters
Crisis houses and day clinics as alternatives to full inpatient admission

Professionals in Crisis Intervention

Crisis intervention involves various professional groups, including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, and specially trained volunteers. A solid foundation in crisis theory, risk assessment, and communication techniques is essential.

When to Seek Help

Professional crisis intervention should be sought immediately if:

Thoughts of harming or killing oneself or others are present
The ability to function has completely broken down
Severe psychiatric symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, or severe panic occur
A loved one is in an acute state of crisis

In emergencies, contact the emergency services (999 or 112) or a crisis helpline immediately.

References

World Health Organization (WHO): Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030. Geneva: WHO, 2021.
Gilliland B.E., James R.K.: Crisis Intervention Strategies. 8th edition. Cengage Learning, 2017.
Roberts A.R.: Crisis Intervention Handbook: Assessment, Treatment, and Research. 3rd edition. Oxford University Press, 2005.

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.

Most read entries

3 Posts in this encyclopedia category