CRC Crisis Intervention Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a crisis, a client states they have a plan to harm themselves but says they won't act on it. What is the recovery coach's FIRST priority?
- Assess the seriousness of the plan and ensure immediate safety (Correct answer)
- Remind the client of their recovery goals
- Schedule a follow-up appointment for the next day
- Ask the client to call a friend for support
Correct answer: Assess the seriousness of the plan and ensure immediate safety
Immediate safety assessment is always the first priority when a client discloses a self-harm plan.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the ABC Model of Crisis Intervention?
- Assess, Build rapport, Connect to resources
- Affect, Behavior, Cognition (Correct answer)
- Achieve goals, Balance emotions, Commit to change
- Acknowledge, Believe, Counsel
Correct answer: Affect, Behavior, Cognition
The ABC Model addresses Affect (emotional state), Behavior (actions), and Cognition (thoughts) to stabilize a person in crisis.
Question 3: A client in early recovery calls their coach in a panic after a near-relapse. What technique is most appropriate to use immediately?
- Confrontational challenging of their decision-making
- Grounding techniques to reduce acute anxiety (Correct answer)
- Motivational interviewing focused on long-term goals
- Referral to a higher level of care without further discussion
Correct answer: Grounding techniques to reduce acute anxiety
Grounding techniques help stabilize acute anxiety and emotional dysregulation in the moment of crisis.
Question 4: When a client is in a psychiatric crisis, which action falls OUTSIDE the recovery coach's scope of practice?
- Staying with the client until help arrives
- Diagnosing the client's mental health condition (Correct answer)
- Calling emergency services if safety is at risk
- Providing active listening and emotional support
Correct answer: Diagnosing the client's mental health condition
Diagnosing mental health conditions is outside a recovery coach's scope; that role belongs to licensed clinicians.
Question 5: Which communication approach is MOST effective when a client is in emotional crisis?
- Providing direct advice and concrete solutions immediately
- Using reflective listening and validating their feelings (Correct answer)
- Minimizing the problem to reduce the client's distress
- Redirecting conversation to their recovery plan
Correct answer: Using reflective listening and validating their feelings
Reflective listening and validation de-escalate emotional intensity and build trust during a crisis.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a safety plan developed with a client experiencing suicidal ideation?
- To document that the coach fulfilled their legal obligation
- To provide a personalized step-by-step guide the client can use when warning signs emerge (Correct answer)
- To replace the need for emergency services
- To assign blame if the client harms themselves
Correct answer: To provide a personalized step-by-step guide the client can use when warning signs emerge
A safety plan is a proactive, personalized tool that guides the client through warning signs and coping steps before crisis escalates.
Question 7: A recovery coach witnesses a client experience a severe overdose. After calling 911, what should the coach do while waiting for emergency services?
- Leave to protect their own liability
- Administer naloxone if available and trained to do so, and monitor the client (Correct answer)
- Begin a motivational interviewing session
- Document the incident for their supervisor first
Correct answer: Administer naloxone if available and trained to do so, and monitor the client
If trained and naloxone is available, administering it and monitoring the client can save a life while awaiting emergency responders.
CRC Crisis Intervention Skills 2
During a crisis, a client states they have a plan to harm themselves but says they won't act on it.
What is the recovery coach's FIRST priority?