Crisis Intervention Strategies Flashcards

A third party calls worried that her adult brother posted a goodbye message online. What should the I&R specialist do FIRST?

Answer: Assess the immediate risk based on her information and help her decide whether emergency services are needed

Third-party calls still require risk assessment and may warrant emergency intervention if danger appears imminent.

Which national three-digit number connects callers in the U.S. to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline?

Answer: 988

988 became the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number in July 2022.

A safety plan developed with a suicidal caller should typically include:

Answer: Warning signs, internal coping strategies, people and places for distraction, contacts for help, and ways to make the environment safer

Evidence-based safety planning (Stanley-Brown) uses layered steps from warning signs through restricting access to means.

Why are 'no-harm contracts' discouraged in current crisis intervention practice?

Answer: They lack evidence of effectiveness and may create false reassurance

No-suicide contracts have no proven protective effect and can give the helper a false sense of safety.

A caller reports that someone is breaking into her home right now. What is the correct response?

Answer: Connect her with 911 or emergency services immediately

An in-progress emergency with immediate danger requires instant connection to emergency services.

Which is an example of an open-ended question useful in crisis assessment?

Answer: 'What has been happening that led you to call today?'

Open-ended questions invite the caller to explain in their own words and cannot be answered with yes or no.

When a caller in crisis becomes silent for a long period, the specialist should generally:

Answer: Allow some silence, then gently check in, for example 'I'm still here when you're ready'

Silence can give the caller time to think, and a gentle check-in keeps the connection without pressure.