Crisis Intervention Flashcards
7 cards from real MFT 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
A client calls in acute suicidal crisis stating they have a loaded gun nearby. What is the therapist's FIRST priority?
Answer: Assess lethality and remove or secure access to the means
Means restriction is a critical evidence-based step; securing or removing access to lethal means significantly reduces suicide risk.
Which crisis intervention model focuses on identifying the precipitating event, the client's perception, and coping resources?
Answer: Roberts' Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention model
Roberts' Seven-Stage model systematically addresses precipitating event, client perception, emotional support, coping assessment, and safety planning.
During a crisis, a client exhibits dissociative symptoms and is unable to engage cognitively. The therapist should FIRST:
Answer: Use grounding techniques to bring the client back to the present
Grounding techniques (5-4-3-2-1 sensory, breathing) help re-regulate the nervous system so the client can engage further.
A survivor of sexual assault presents to your office 48 hours after the assault. Under mandatory reporting laws, what is the therapist most likely required to report?
Answer: Sexual assault of a minor to child protective services or law enforcement
Mandatory reporting laws in the U.S. consistently require therapists to report suspected child abuse, including sexual assault of minors.
Which factor is considered a STATIC risk factor for suicide?
Answer: Previous suicide attempt
A prior suicide attempt is a historical, unchangeable (static) factor and one of the strongest predictors of future attempts.
A client in crisis reports their partner just left them. Using the ABC model of crisis intervention, 'B' refers to:
Answer: The client's beliefs and perceptions about the event
In the ABC model, B stands for Beliefs—the cognitive appraisal and meaning the client assigns to the precipitating event.
When conducting a crisis assessment, the mnemonic IS PATH WARM helps identify warning signs. What does the 'A' stand for?
Answer: Anxiety
In IS PATH WARM, 'A' stands for Anxiety—increased agitation and anxiety are recognized warning signs of suicide risk.