What are your go-to crisis intervention resources and tools?

1 Assess the situation

The first step in any crisis intervention is to assess the situation and the person's needs. You want to identify the level of risk, the type of crisis, and the best way to respond. To do this, it is important to ask yourself if the person is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, or if they are experiencing a mental health crisis such as psychosis, mania, or severe depression. Additionally, you should consider if they have been affected by a traumatic event such as abuse, violence, or loss; if they are struggling with substance use, addiction, or withdrawal; or if they are facing a social or environmental crisis such as homelessness, poverty, or discrimination. Depending on your answers, you may need to call for emergency services, refer the person to a mental health professional, or provide emotional support and guidance.

2 Establish rapport

The next step in crisis intervention is to establish rapport with the person in crisis. Rapport is a feeling of trust, respect, and understanding that allows for effective and empathetic communication. To build this connection, you can use active listening skills such as reflecting, summarizing, and clarifying. You can also ask open-ended questions like "How are you feeling?" or "What do you need right now?" Furthermore, supportive statements like "I'm here for you" or "You are not alone" can be beneficial. Additionally, nonverbal cues such as eye contact, nodding, and smiling can help create a sense of safety and understanding. Most importantly, avoid judgment, criticism, or advice. Establishing rapport can help the person feel safe, valued, and heard while also reducing their anxiety and distress.

3 Explore options

The third step in crisis intervention is to explore options with the person in crisis. Options are possible actions or solutions that can help the person cope, resolve, or prevent the crisis. To do this, you can ask the person what they have tried before and what worked and didn't work. Additionally, you can brainstorm different alternatives with them, helping them to identify their strengths, skills, and supports. It is important to encourage the person to choose an option that is realistic, achievable, and beneficial. Moreover, you should help the person plan the steps and strategies to implement the option. Exploring options can help the person feel empowered, hopeful, and motivated, giving them a greater sense of control and agency.

4 Provide information

The fourth step in crisis intervention is to provide information to the person in crisis. This knowledge should be factual, relevant, and helpful to enhance their understanding and decision-making. You can educate them about the nature and causes of the crisis, as well as the possible outcomes. Additionally, inform them about available services, programs, and organizations that can assist them. Furthermore, share your own or others' experiences, insights, or tips that relate to the person's situation. You can also provide written, online, or audiovisual materials that supplement your conversation. It's important to check the person's comprehension, interest, and feedback on the information. Providing information can help the person feel informed, prepared, and confident; thus reducing confusion and uncertainty.

5 Follow up

The fifth step in crisis intervention is to follow up with the person in crisis. This ongoing contact and support can help them sustain and evaluate their progress and goals. To do this, you should arrange a time and mode of communication for your next contact, remind them of their chosen option, plan, and resources, ask how they are doing, reinforce their efforts and coping skills, and adjust the option, plan, or resources as needed based on feedback and situation. Ultimately, following up can help the person feel supported, accountable, and encouraged while maintaining stability and well-being.

6 Take care of yourself

The sixth and final step in crisis intervention is to take care of yourself. This involves engaging in self-care and wellness practices that can help you cope with the stress and emotions of helping someone in crisis. For instance, debriefing with a supervisor, colleague, or friend after a crisis intervention can be beneficial. Additionally, seeking professional help if you experience burnout, vicarious trauma, or compassion fatigue is important. Other activities such as hobbies, exercise, or meditation can relax, recharge, and nourish you. Moreover, setting boundaries and limits on your availability, workload, and expectations is necessary for self-care. Lastly, acknowledging and appreciating your own strengths, skills, and contributions is essential. Taking care of yourself can help you prevent or recover from the negative effects of crisis intervention and enhance your resilience and effectiveness as a peer supporter.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?