crisis intervention
Immediate, short-term assistance provided to youth experiencing acute psychological distress or behavioral emergencies.
Full Definition
Crisis intervention in child and adolescent psychiatry involves rapid assessment and immediate support for youth experiencing acute mental health crises, including suicidal ideation, psychotic episodes, severe agitation, or other psychiatric emergencies. The intervention focuses on ensuring safety, de-escalating acute symptoms, mobilizing support systems, and connecting patients to appropriate ongoing care. Crisis intervention may occur in various settings including emergency departments, schools, homes, or specialized crisis centers. Techniques include safety planning, brief stabilization counseling, medication evaluation, and coordination with family and community resources. The goal is to resolve the immediate crisis and prevent further deterioration while establishing a bridge to longer-term treatment services.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'crisis stabilization' which typically refers to longer-term interventions following immediate crisis response.
In Context
- "The mobile crisis intervention team responded to the school within one hour of the reported student threat." — Crisis response documentation