Crisis Intervention Flashcards

A client says mid-session, "Sometimes I think everyone would be better off without me." What should the divorce coach do first?

Answer: Ask directly whether the client is thinking about suicide

Asking directly about suicidal thoughts does not plant the idea and is the first step in assessing risk.

Which U.S. number connects a person in emotional distress to the national suicide and crisis lifeline by call or text?

Answer: 988

988 is the three-digit U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, reachable by call, text, or chat.

In Roberts' Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model, what is the first stage?

Answer: Plan and conduct a crisis and biopsychosocial assessment, including lethality

Roberts' model begins with assessing lethality and immediate safety before building rapport and problem-solving.

A client who has just been served divorce papers is shaking, crying, and can't follow the conversation. Which technique is most appropriate right now?

Answer: Grounding, such as slow breathing and naming things in the room

Grounding brings down acute arousal so the client can think clearly again.

What best separates a crisis from an ordinary problem in divorce coaching?

Answer: A crisis temporarily overwhelms the person's usual coping abilities

A crisis is a state where the event overwhelms a person's normal coping resources.

A client discloses an active plan and the means to end their life today. What is the coach's appropriate action?

Answer: Stay connected and get immediate emergency help, such as 988 or 911

Imminent risk calls for immediate emergency resources while staying with the client.

Which statement best describes a divorce coach's scope in a mental health crisis?

Answer: The coach stabilizes, connects the client to licensed or emergency help, and follows up

Coaches are not clinicians; their role is to stabilize, refer to appropriate professionals, and follow up.