The Crisis Intervention Model:
What Social Workers Need to Know
Social work is a broad spectrum, with social workers operating in schools, offices, prisons, public and private hospitals, and countless other fields. However, across this spectrum of care, they share a common goal: helping to better the lives of others.
The exact way in which social workers go about the goal of meeting the demands of both clients and situations, however, does differ. They use a variety of practice models and theories to analyze cases, understand clients, create interventions, predict intervention results, and evaluate outcomes.
When confronted with a crisis, which is essentially a situation that individuals fail to overcome or become overwhelmed by, then the crisis intervention model can be applied. The model is a short-term method of managing and mitigating long-term damage. A crisis in the social work sphere can be succinctly defined as an acute and challenging circumstance characterized by a heightened level of stress or disturbance that breaks down normal functioning and requires urgent intervention and support to address the immediate needs and restore stability for the individuals involved.
Family crises can arise from a broad range of stressors like child or spouse abuse, unplanned pregnancies, parent desertion, chronic illness, and lack of social support. Economic challenges, such as job loss, eviction, hunger, theft, medical expenses, and addiction, are common triggers. Community issues like violence, inadequate housing, and education also play a role. Surprisingly, even positive events like marriages or births can contribute to family crises, as can natural disasters or extreme weather conditions.
While crises come in a range of shapes and sizes, the hallmark traits remain consistent. Understanding the varied origins of crises is crucial, as it lays the foundation for effective intervention strategies and support systems. For those interested in the intricacies of both crisis intervention and the many other models social workers use, programs like a Master of Social Work or MSW online program can fast-track the process, providing a comprehensive education to address the multitude of challenges that individuals face and which social workers can greatly alleviate.
The 5 steps of a crisis intervention model
1. Assessment and definition
The first step in a crisis is to identify and define the problem by assessing the situation in which the client finds themselves. Social workers must build a relationship with clients in order for them to communicate their circumstances and needs effectively. There are a number of techniques to do so; some of the most useful in practice are:
- Genuineness – people can tell when carers are (or aren't) being genuine, and in a crisis, being genuine is a crucial step to building trust.
- Client-centered thinking – attempt to fully understand and empathize with the client's unique situation, listen to what they have to say, put yourself in their shoes, and consider the ramifications of every outcome.
- Professionalism – social workers have specific expertise and are trained to take command of difficult situations, often acting as advocates; with such power comes great responsibility, and the client's opinions and wishes must always be heard and considered.
2. Safety checks
As with most forms of therapy and especially important in a crisis, social workers are required to conduct thorough assessments of potential risks to the client's well-being, considering both immediate concerns and long-term implications. Should any concerns arise, such as a risk that the client would cause harm to themselves or another person, then the proper procedure should be followed. For instance, many inpatient mental health treatment centers in the USA use the Q15 patient safety check; however, procedures differ by State, country, and institution.
3. Identifying the major issues
Crisis intervention centers on the client's current challenges arising from a crisis. It is, therefore, crucial for the clinician to assess the crisis's origin, looking at what factors have led up to this point. Through this process, the social worker will gain insight into the client's background and be able to highlight key issues that would affect the intervention going forward.
4. Implementing a plan
Acting early is crucial for long-term management, but it is important to take steps 1, 2, and 3 into account prior to any treatment. Specific plans vary across clients and depend on the social worker’s expertise. Examples include:
- Referral to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT is an evidence-based therapeutic approach to address various mental health issues by examining and reshaping negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- Safety planning – Establishing practical and realistic safety plans to prevent harm during future crises is crucial for ongoing well-being.
- Resource mobilization – Assisting clients in accessing relevant community resources and support services ensures a comprehensive and holistic approach to crisis intervention.
- Psychoeducation – Providing clients with information about their crisis and potential coping strategies empowers them with knowledge and tools for self-help.
- Advocacy – Acting as an advocate for clients ensures their needs are recognized and addressed in larger systems, facilitating a more supportive environment for recovery.
5. Follow-up
During the follow-up stage, maintaining consistent communication and check-ins enables the social worker to monitor the client's progress, identify any emerging challenges, see what treatment is working most effectively, and provide ongoing support. This continuity in care fosters a sense of security for the client, allowing them to return to someone they trust for valuable advice, suggestions, and reassurance. During ongoing follow-ups, the social worker can assess the client's health, well-being, and overall functioning ensuring the sustained well-being of the client.
The importance of the model
The crisis intervention model is a crucial tool for social workers, it enables them to efficiently listen and categorize the particular crisis a given client is facing. As the client feels increasingly seen and heard, trust builds with the social workers and enables further discourse. This level of trust and understanding in the relationship, when properly respected, gives social workers all the information they need to guide clients toward whichever specific tool might be most useful to begin the recovery process and work toward an improved state of being.
As with any psychological intervention, the connection between the client and the therapist is crucial to alleviating crises; according to humanistic psychology, the best results are achieved when the client is placed at the center of the process and shown their inherent drive toward growth.
