Crisis Intervention Flashcards
7 cards from real LICSW practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Crisis Intervention flashcards as text
According to the Roberts' Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model, what is the FIRST stage a social worker should complete when working with a client in crisis?
Answer: Assess lethality and safety needs
Roberts' model begins with assessing lethality and safety because the client's immediate physical safety must be established before any other therapeutic work can proceed.
A client calls a crisis hotline stating they have a plan to overdose on medications they have at home. Which intervention should the social worker prioritize FIRST?
Answer: Facilitate removal or securing of the lethal means
Means restriction is a critical, evidence-based safety intervention; removing access to lethal means directly reduces imminent risk of suicide attempt.
Which of the following BEST describes the primary goal of crisis intervention?
Answer: Restore the individual to at least their pre-crisis level of functioning
Crisis intervention is time-limited and aims to stabilize the individual and restore adaptive functioning to the pre-crisis baseline, not to resolve underlying issues.
A social worker is using the ABC Model of Crisis Intervention. What does 'B' represent in this model?
Answer: Beliefs and perceptions the client holds about the event
In the ABC Model, 'B' stands for Beliefs — the client's subjective interpretation of the precipitating event, which mediates their emotional and behavioral response.
Which population characteristic would indicate the HIGHEST level of suicide risk requiring immediate hospitalization consideration?
Answer: Active ideation with a specific plan, access to means, and stated intent
Active ideation with a specific plan, access to lethal means, and stated intent represents the highest convergence of risk factors, necessitating immediate safety evaluation.
A social worker responds to a disaster scene and learns a survivor witnessed the death of multiple family members hours ago. Which intervention approach is MOST appropriate at this phase?
Answer: Use Psychological First Aid to provide safety, calm, and connection
Psychological First Aid (PFA) is the evidence-informed approach recommended in the acute phase post-disaster, focusing on practical support, safety, and social connection rather than trauma processing.
When a client in crisis refuses all offered services and denies suicidal intent but the social worker has significant clinical concern, what is the MOST appropriate next step?
Answer: Contact law enforcement to initiate an involuntary psychiatric hold if criteria are met
When a clinician has sufficient concern that a client poses imminent danger to themselves, initiating an involuntary psychiatric hold (per state law criteria) overrides client refusal to protect life.