CRSS - Certified Recovery Support Specialist Crisis Support and Safety Questions and Answers

Question 1

A peer you are supporting becomes highly agitated and is speaking in a loud, aggressive tone. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial de-escalation technique for a CRSS to use?

Accepted Answer

Respect their personal space and use a calm, non-judgmental tone.

Answer

Firmly tell the peer to calm down and lower their voice.

Answer

Maintain direct eye contact to show you are not intimidated.

Answer

Immediately call for your supervisor to handle the situation.

Question 2

A CRSS is collaboratively developing a safety plan with a peer who has a history of suicidal ideation. Which of the following is an essential component to include in the plan?

Accepted Answer

A list of the peer's own internal coping strategies and supportive contacts.

Answer

A list of reasons why their negative feelings are irrational.

Answer

Contact information for the CRSS's personal phone for 24/7 support.

Answer

A detailed schedule of mandatory daily activities the peer must follow.

Question 3

During a support session, a peer discloses that their child has unexplained bruises, and they are worried their partner may be responsible. The peer asks the CRSS not to tell anyone. What is the CRSS's legal and ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspicion of child abuse to the appropriate authorities as a mandated reporter.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality as requested by the peer to preserve trust.

Answer

Advise the peer to report the situation themselves but take no further action.

Answer

Only report the incident if the peer gives explicit permission to do so.

Question 4

Which of the following BEST describes the primary goal of post-crisis follow-up by a CRSS?

Accepted Answer

To reinforce stabilization and facilitate linkage to ongoing community supports.

Answer

To ensure the individual complied with all instructions given during the crisis.

Answer

To conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of the crisis.

Answer

To get a formal apology from the individual if their behavior was disruptive.

Question 5

A CRSS is working with a peer who is currently experiencing a non-violent crisis related to a substance use relapse. The peer is distressed but coherent. What is the most appropriate action for the CRSS to take?

Accepted Answer

Listen empathetically, validate their feelings, and explore next steps collaboratively.

Answer

Immediately call 911 for emergency medical services.

Answer

Share their own detailed relapse story to show the peer they are not alone.

Answer

Provide a directive, step-by-step plan for what the peer must do next.

Question 6

When is it necessary for a CRSS to break confidentiality due to a safety concern, outside of mandated reporting for child or vulnerable adult abuse?

Accepted Answer

When the peer expresses a specific, credible threat of serious harm to another identifiable person.

Answer

When the peer admits to committing a minor crime in the past.

Answer

When the peer's family members call and ask for information about their progress.

Answer

When the CRSS believes the peer is making a poor decision about their recovery.

A peer you are supporting becomes highly agitated and is speaking in a loud, aggressive tone.Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial de-escalation technique for a CRSS to use?

A peer you are supporting becomes highly agitated and is speaking in a loud, aggressive tone.
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial de-escalation technique for a CRSS to use?