crisis intervention
Immediate, short-term therapeutic assistance provided during acute psychological distress.
Full Definition
Crisis intervention involves providing immediate psychological support and practical assistance to individuals experiencing acute emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric emergencies. The goal is to reduce immediate distress, ensure safety, and restore functioning to pre-crisis levels. Crisis intervention typically follows a structured approach: establishing rapport, assessing the problem, exploring feelings, identifying coping strategies, and developing action plans. Documentation includes crisis precipitants, risk assessment, interventions provided, and safety planning. Mental health professionals use crisis intervention techniques in emergency departments, crisis centers, and community settings.
Usage
Usage note: Document specific interventions used and their effectiveness in crisis situations.
In Context
- "Crisis intervention was initiated following patient's disclosure of suicidal thoughts." — emergency department note
- "Mobile crisis intervention team was dispatched for on-site assessment and stabilization." — community mental health report