Crisis Intervention & Mental Health Flashcards
7 cards from real SSW 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 & Mental Health flashcards as text
A student tells a school social worker that she has been cutting herself but insists it is 'not to die.' What is the MOST appropriate immediate response?
Answer: Conduct a thorough risk assessment including intent, frequency, and severity of self-harm
A complete risk assessment is required before determining level of care, even when suicidal intent is denied.
Which crisis intervention model emphasizes restoring the individual to at least their pre-crisis level of functioning through a structured, time-limited approach?
Answer: Roberts' Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model
Roberts' Seven-Stage model is a widely used crisis intervention framework focused on stabilization and return to baseline functioning.
A student who witnessed a peer's suicide at school is exhibiting acute stress reactions. Which intervention is CONTRAINDICATED in the immediate aftermath?
Answer: Conducting a formal Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) within 24 hours
Research shows that mandatory group debriefing (CISD) within 24 hours can interfere with natural recovery and is contraindicated in acute trauma.
When assessing a student's suicide risk using the SAD PERSONS scale, the letter 'A' stands for:
Answer: Alcohol or substance abuse
In the SAD PERSONS mnemonic, 'A' represents Alcohol or substance abuse, a significant risk factor for suicide.
A school social worker learns that a student made a suicide attempt over the weekend. The student is returning to school today. What is the FIRST priority?
Answer: Conduct a re-entry meeting to assess current safety and create a support plan
A structured re-entry meeting to assess safety and coordinate support is the standard best practice for postvention after a student's suicide attempt.
Which of the following statements about suicide contagion (the 'Werther effect') is MOST accurate for school settings?
Answer: Sensationalized or detailed media reporting of a suicide can increase risk among vulnerable youth
The Werther effect demonstrates that graphic or romanticized depictions of suicide can trigger imitative behavior, particularly in vulnerable youth.
A student in acute psychotic crisis is brought to the school social worker. The student is disorganized and believes staff are trying to harm him. The social worker's FIRST action should be:
Answer: Ensure the student's immediate safety and contact emergency services
In acute psychosis with safety concerns, ensuring immediate safety and mobilizing emergency support takes precedence over assessment or therapeutic techniques.