Crisis Intervention
Crisis intervention is a short-term management technique designed to reduce potential permanent damage to an individual affected by a crisis. A crisis is defined as an overwhelming event, which can include divorce, violence, the passing of a loved one, or the discovery of a serious illness. It involves urgent and temporary care given to an individual in order to interrupt the downward spiral of maladaptive behavior and return the individual to their usual level of pre-crisis functioning. The main purposes of crisis intervention are to reduce the intensity of an individuals emotional, mental, physical, and behavioral reactions to a crisis, help individuals return to their level of functioning before the crisis, and assist individuals in coping with future difficulties more effectively. Crisis intervention provides mental health support while a person is experiencing intense, unexpected symptoms or a crisis. It involves three components: the crisis, the individual or group in crisis, and the helper or mental health worker who provides aid. The intervention occurs after the identification and assessment of the crisis and the person involved, aiming to restore balance and reduce the effects of the crisis.
