CASAC - Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Crisis Intervention Strategies Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client calls the clinic's crisis line, sounding intoxicated and expressing extreme hopelessness after a recent relapse. The client mentions having access to a firearm. What is the CASAC's immediate priority?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a thorough and immediate suicide risk assessment.

Answer

The immediate priority in any crisis is to ensure client safety. The client's statements about hopelessness, intoxication, and access to a firearm are significant warning signs for suicide. A counselor must assess the imminent risk of harm to self before any other intervention.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the primary goal of crisis intervention?

Accepted Answer

To restore the client to their pre-crisis level of functioning and ensure immediate safety.

Answer

Crisis intervention is a short-term, immediate response designed to mitigate harm and stabilize the individual. The primary goal is not long-term therapy or comprehensive diagnosis, but rather to help the person return to their baseline level of functioning and ensure they are safe.

Question 3

A CASAC is working with a client who becomes extremely agitated and verbally aggressive during a session, clenching their fists and raising their voice. What is the counselor's most appropriate initial de-escalation technique?

Accepted Answer

Maintain a calm demeanor, respect personal space, and validate the client's feelings.

Answer

Effective de-escalation involves controlling one's own response to defuse the situation. Maintaining a calm, non-threatening posture, allowing for personal space, and using empathic listening to validate the person's feelings (e.g., "I can see you're very upset right now") are core techniques to lower tension. Commands, threats, and abrupt actions are more likely to escalate the conflict.

Question 4

According to Roberts' Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model, a key task for the counselor is to assess the client's past coping mechanisms. What is the primary purpose of this step?

Accepted Answer

To identify and reinforce successful strategies the client has used before.

Answer

A central part of Roberts' model is to generate and explore alternatives and new coping strategies. This involves actively exploring what has and has not worked for the client in the past to identify existing strengths and resources that can be applied to the current crisis, fostering self-reliance.

Question 5

A client in early recovery reveals that their partner has threatened them with physical harm if they continue attending counseling sessions. According to the CASAC Canon of Ethical Principles, what is the counselor's primary responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Assessing the level of danger and collaborating with the client on a safety plan.

Answer

The CASAC's ethical obligation is to respect the integrity and protect the welfare of the client. In a situation involving domestic violence, the primary responsibility is to prioritize the client's safety. This involves assessing the immediate risk and working with the client to develop a safety plan, which may include providing resources for domestic violence services. Contacting the partner would breach confidentiality, and giving direct advice to leave can be unsafe and disempowering.

CASAC - Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Practice Test

CASAC - Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Practice Test

CASAC - Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Crisis Intervention Strategies Questions and Answers