CIC Crisis Evaluation & Response Planning 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the ABC Model of Crisis Intervention, what does the 'B' component represent?
- Behavioral responses to the crisis
- Basic attending and rapport-building
- Beliefs and distorted cognitions about the event (Correct answer)
- Background history of the client
Correct answer: Beliefs and distorted cognitions about the event
In the ABC Model, 'B' stands for Beliefs—the distorted or irrational thoughts that intensify the crisis state.
Question 2: Which assessment tool specifically evaluates a client's level of functioning across psychological, social, and occupational domains?
- Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
- Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) (Correct answer)
- Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
- Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI)
Correct answer: Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)
The GAF is a numeric scale (0–100) used to assess overall psychological, social, and occupational functioning.
Question 3: A client in crisis reports they have been unable to sleep, eat, or care for their children for the past three days. This information most directly informs which part of the response plan?
- Long-term therapeutic goals
- Immediate safety and basic needs stabilization (Correct answer)
- Medication management referral only
- Vocational rehabilitation planning
Correct answer: Immediate safety and basic needs stabilization
Failure to meet basic needs (sleep, food, child care) signals an acute safety and stabilization priority in the response plan.
Question 4: When a crisis response plan includes 'coping strategies,' what is the primary purpose of this component?
- To replace medication interventions permanently
- To give the client concrete tools to manage distress between contacts (Correct answer)
- To diagnose the underlying mental health disorder
- To satisfy documentation requirements for insurance
Correct answer: To give the client concrete tools to manage distress between contacts
Coping strategies in a response plan empower clients to self-regulate and manage distress outside of formal sessions.
Question 5: Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a 'situational crisis' as opposed to a maturational crisis?
- A teenager struggling with identity formation during puberty
- An adult experiencing grief after a sudden house fire (Correct answer)
- A young adult transitioning to college life
- A retiree adjusting to post-work identity
Correct answer: An adult experiencing grief after a sudden house fire
Situational crises arise from unexpected external events (like a house fire), unlike maturational crises tied to predictable developmental transitions.
Question 6: During risk evaluation, a counselor asks, 'Have you thought about hurting yourself?' This is an example of which type of question?
- Closed-ended diagnostic question
- Open-ended exploratory probe
- Direct inquiry for suicidal ideation (Correct answer)
- Reflective empathy statement
Correct answer: Direct inquiry for suicidal ideation
Direct inquiry about self-harm is the recommended, evidence-based approach to assess suicidal ideation without increasing risk.
Question 7: A crisis response plan should always include a follow-up contact schedule because:
- It satisfies mandatory reporting requirements
- Continuity of contact reduces risk of relapse into acute crisis (Correct answer)
- Follow-up is only needed for high-risk clients
- It replaces the need for a safety contract
Correct answer: Continuity of contact reduces risk of relapse into acute crisis
Scheduled follow-up ensures continuity of care and allows early detection of crisis re-escalation.
CIC Crisis Evaluation & Response Planning 3
In the ABC Model of Crisis Intervention, what does the 'B' component represent?