What are the best practices for crisis intervention?

In the high-stakes environment of mental health (MH), substance use (SU), and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) services, effective crisis intervention is crucial. Crisis situations can arise unexpectedly, and the ability to manage them appropriately can mean the difference between a positive outcome and a catastrophic one. Here are the best practices for crisis intervention:

• Recognize Warning Signs: Early recognition of behavioral and emotional warning signs can help prevent crises. Training staff to identify these signs is essential.
• Comprehensive Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments to understand the underlying causes of the crisis. This involves gathering information about the individual’s history, current circumstances, and potential triggers.

• Communication Skills: Effective communication is key to de-escalating a crisis. This includes active listening, maintaining a calm tone, and avoiding confrontational language.
• Non-Restrictive Interventions: Prioritize non-restrictive methods, such as verbal de-escalation, to manage the situation before considering physical interventions.

• Develop a Crisis Plan: Collaborate with the individual and their support network to create a crisis plan that outlines specific steps to take in case of an emergency.
• Environment Safety: Ensure that the physical environment is safe, removing any potential hazards that could escalate the crisis.

• Multidisciplinary Approach: Involve a team of professionals, including mental health specialists, social workers, and medical staff, to provide comprehensive support.
• Continuous Training: Regularly train staff on crisis intervention protocols, including simulation exercises to practice real-life scenarios.

• Debriefing: After a crisis, conduct debriefing sessions with the staff involved to review what happened and identify areas for improvement.
• Ongoing Support: Provide ongoing support and counseling to the individual and their family to help them recover and prevent future crises.

At Scales Training, we emphasize these best practices in our training programs to ensure that our participants are equipped to handle crises effectively and with compassion.