Intermediate
Formal
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Crisis Intervention
Immediate therapeutic response to acute psychological distress or psychiatric emergency.
Full Definition
Crisis intervention involves short-term therapeutic techniques to help individuals cope with acute emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric crises. The approach focuses on immediate stabilization, safety assessment, and mobilization of coping resources rather than long-term therapy. Interventions may include de-escalation, safety planning, emergency medication, or involuntary hospitalization. Documentation emphasizes risk assessment and immediate interventions provided.
Usage
Usage note: Lowercase in general usage; may be capitalized when referring to specific programs.
In Context
- "Crisis intervention services were activated following the patient's suicide attempt." — Emergency department report
- "The mobile crisis intervention team responded within 30 minutes of the emergency call." — Crisis response documentation
Also known as
crisis response
emergency intervention
Contrasted with
routine therapy
maintenance treatment
Don't confuse with
crisis counseling
emergency therapy