What Is a Crisis Intervention Specialist?

In psychology and social work, a crisis is a period of psychological imbalance resulting from a sudden or traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, domestic violence, abuse or the sudden loss of a loved one. A crisis intervention specialist is a highly trained and skilled professional who offers counseling, assessment and treatment to individuals experiencing a crisis. 

Crisis intervention social work is a demanding yet fulfilling field. Specialists in this field support people, families and communities who are coping with traumatic situations or circumstances. Enrolling in a Master of Social Work degree program can prepare individuals for careers as crisis intervention specialists.

What Is Crisis Intervention Social Work?

Professionals working in crisis intervention social work help individuals experiencing crises by providing them with immediate, short-term assistance. The type of assistance varies significantly based on the unique situation and the individual’s needs. It can include providing access to resources and offering counseling. If individuals may harm themselves or others, either directly or indirectly, crisis intervention may also include temporary hospitalization. 

Hospitalization can be voluntary or involuntary. Social workers strive to employ the least restrictive means possible to support an individual in crisis but may consider involuntary hospitalization if they believe an individual’s condition or circumstances require it. Individuals who require hospitalization are entitled to legal representation. Involuntary hospitalization should be preempted by examination by two or more physicians or psychiatrists and requires continued demonstrated proof that they should remain in committed care.

What Does a Crisis Intervention Specialist Do?

A crisis intervention specialist, also known as a crisis interventionist, is a qualified mental health professional with specialized training. They offer support, hope and health care to individuals, families and communities facing serious and often traumatic circumstances. 

Crisis intervention specialists work in a wide range of settings, including crisis call centers, schools, government-based or military organizations and mental health facilities such as hospitals and clinics. 

Some work out of a centralized office but spend much of their time traveling. For example, some crisis interventionists travel across town to the scene of an accident or across the country to assist after a natural disaster. Others visit clients or families in their homes, or shelters, rehabilitation facilities or hospitals.

Seven-Phase Critical Intervention Model

Many crisis intervention specialists follow the seven-phase critical intervention model introduced by Dr. Albert Roberts with Allen J. Ottens in 2005, which was built on Roberts’ previous four-stage models. The model identifies a crisis as a subjective event that negatively impacts an individual or group of individuals, and it offers a seven-step intervention process based on several theoretical psychological perspectives, such as cognitive theory, behavioral theory and ego psychology. 

The seven phases are as follows:

1. Assessment: The crisis intervention specialist interviews the client and facilitates a risk assessment, to evaluate the degree to which the individual is imminently in danger as a result of the crisis they are experiencing
2. Establishment of Rapport: The crisis interventionist must be sincere and genuine to establish a connection with the client. This involves employing specific traits and behaviors such as empathy, patience and active listening. 
3. Identification of Major Problems: Next, the crisis intervention specialist focuses on the current issues that led to the crisis. Learning about the precipitating events of a crisis helps establish an order of priorities that effectively addresses the client’s concerns. 
4. Expression of Emotions and Feelings: The fourth phase includes giving the client space to express their feelings and emotions. It involves asking the client questions to challenge their way of thinking, helping them reframe their responses and giving them information or tools that may help them overcome unhelpful thought processes or beliefs. 
5. Exploration of Alternatives: By the fifth phase, the client is usually regaining some of their emotional composure. The crisis intervention specialist can offer alternative solutions for the short term. 
6. Plan Development: The coping tools, strategies and alternatives offered during the previous five phases will ultimately become part of the client’s treatment plan. The sixth phase involves establishing safety plans, which may include transitioning to a shelter or a hospital in some situations. 
7. Follow-Up: The final phase involves following up with the client to ensure that they are adhering to any treatment program and receiving the resources they need. This final assessment helps the interventionist determine the client’s current status and whether further intervention is required.

How to Become a Crisis Intervention Specialist 

A crisis intervention specialist works with individuals who are in high-stress and often traumatic situations. These specialists are specifically trained to work with people in these extremely delicate moments, and they must have the skills, education and experience required to do so with care. 

Experience

Many crisis interventionists begin their careers in other social work fields. They may work as social workers in their local communities, serve as hospice counselors in hospitals and clinics or volunteer with crisis hotlines to gain the experience they need to pursue crisis intervention as a career path. Quality master’s degree programs often require students to obtain a specific number of hours of field education, which offers hands-on learning opportunities and crucial experience. 

Education

Though some facilities and groups may hire a crisis intervention specialist with a bachelor’s degree, employers typically prefer candidates with at least a master’s degree in social work, psychology or another mental health-related field. These programs use a trauma-informed and evidence-based approach to provide aspiring interventionists with the advanced clinical tools and skills they need to promote good mental health, even in times of crisis. 

Skills

Crisis intervention specialists need to have a wide range of clinical and soft skills to be able to effectively counsel their clients. Clinical skills in mental health and substance use counseling, behavioral analysis, rapid assessment, verbal de-escalation skills  and maintaining a needs and rights focus are crucial. Soft skills such as empathy, patience, good communication and problem-solving skills are important as well.

Credentials

As the techniques used to assist people in crisis continue to grow more complex, employers increasingly prefer to hire candidates who have one or more counseling- or crisis intervention-related certifications. Following are some of the best and most widely accepted certifications:

• National Certified Counselor (NCC): The NCC designation is offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors, and it demonstrates the voluntary achievement of high standards in counseling practice. 
• Board Certified Professional Counselor (BCPC): Offered by the American Psychotherapy Association, the BCPC designation is awarded to professionals who pass an examination and meet education and work experience criteria. 

Certification in Crisis Intervention (CCI): This certification is offered by the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, or AAETS. Those who receive this certification have the knowledge, experience, education and training required to better serve individuals experiencing crises.

Provide Essential Support as a Crisis Intervention Specialist 

Crises caused by traumatic events such as accidents, natural disasters and loss can occur anywhere and at any time. In their times of greatest need, people can count on empathetic and compassionate clinically trained professionals to help them cope and overcome these life-changing events. As a crisis intervention specialist, you can make a real difference in people’s lives by offering and facilitating the support, care and resources they need most during life’s most tragic and traumatic events. Find out how the Master of Social Work online program format at Virginia Commonwealth University can provide you with the advanced tools, education and hands-on learning experience to help you thrive.

Credit
Reviewed by Kathleen M. Korndoerfer, M.A., LPC.*

*Kathleen Korndoerfer, M.A., is a licensed professional counselor with over 10 years of experience in the fields of mental health and social work. Kathleen currently practices in Colorado and specializes in the treatment of PTSD & trauma-related disorders and child and adolescent counseling.

Kathleen Korndoerfer, Licensed Professional Counselor, Montrose, CO, 81401 | Psychology Today