Crisis Models
A client is highly emotional and struggling to think clearly. Which component of the ABC model might you focus on first to help stabilize them?
Affect
A teacher refers a student who posted concerning messages online and appears withdrawn.
Which assessment tool could help evaluate the severity of the crisis?
CAT (Crisis Assessment Tool)
Why is it important that a student experiencing a possible crisis is not left alone?
To ensure safety and prevent harm.
Why might cultural beliefs influence whether someone seeks help during a crisis?
Cultural views about mental health and stigma.
A client says “I can’t take this anymore.” What is the first thing you should assess?
safety
A client is experiencing intense distress but is still able to think through options. Which step of the L-A-P-C model would help you begin developing solutions with the client?
Plan
A client reports feeling hopeless but denies suicidal intent. What additional assessment question might help clarify risk?
Questions about thoughts of self-harm, plans, or access to means.
A school counselor determines that a student may be at risk of harming themselves. What is the next appropriate step within a school setting?
coordinate with appropriate school personnel and follow school crisis protocol
Why is it important not to assume that all individuals experience crisis in the same way?
Cultural, social, and personal factors shape responses to stress.
This must occur when a client may be at risk of harming themselves or others.
Breaking confidentiality / duty to protect
In Roberts’ crisis model, why is assessing lethality early in the process important?
To determine safety risk and the urgency of intervention.
These factors help reduce the likelihood that someone will harm themselves.
protective factors
When a student asks you not to tell anyone about safety concerns, you must explain this
limits of confidentiality
This approach involves openness and respect toward different cultural perspectives.
cultural humility
Why is it important for clinicians to remain calm during crisis situations?
Clients often mirror the emotional tone of the clinician.
A counselor helps a client define the problem, ensure safety, and identify resources before creating a plan. Which crisis framework does this reflect?
Task Model of Crisis Intervention
A counselor needs to assess a client’s emotional state during an active crisis situation.
Which self-report tool could be used?
CSAS (Crisis State Assessment Scale)
A student discloses a safety concern during a counseling session. Why should the counselor avoid promising complete confidentiality
safety concerns may require involving others to protect the student
Why should clinicians ask about cultural or community supports when working with someone in crisis?
to understand the client’s sources of support, coping, and resilience
A client believes “nothing will ever get better.” What technique might help explore this belief?
Socratic questioning
In most crisis situations, this is always the first priority.
ensuring safety
Why is crisis assessment considered an ongoing process rather than a single question or tool?
Risk and emotional states can change during the interaction.
Why is it important to approach school crisis situations with sensitivity to family and cultural context?
Different cultures may interpret distress and help-seeking differently.
A client from a marginalized community expresses distrust toward mental health professionals and institutions. What historical or systemic factors might contribute to this response?
historical trauma, discrimination, or systemic inequities in healthcare and mental health systems
A client in crisis appears calm but reports severe hopelessness, recent losses, and withdrawal from supports. Why might this still be considered high risk?
because risk must be assessed using context, risk factors, and behavioral changes, not just presentation