The Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model: A Road Map to Goal Attainment, Problem Solving, and Crisis Resolution

Abstract

This article explicates a systematic and structured conceptual model for crisis assessment and intervention that facilitates planning for effective brief treatment in outpatient psychiatric clinics, community mental health centers, counseling centers, or crisis intervention settings. Application of Roberts’ seven-stage crisis intervention model can facilitate the clinician’s effective intervening by emphasizing rapid assessment of the client’s problem and resources, collaborating on goal selection and attainment, finding alternative coping methods, developing a working alliance, and building upon the client’s strengths. Limitations on treatment time by insurance companies and managed care organizations have made evidence-based crisis intervention a critical necessity for millions of persons presenting to mental health clinics and hospital-based programs in the midst of acute crisis episodes. Having a crisis intervention protocol facilitates treatment planning and intervention. The authors clarify the distinct differences between disaster management and crisis intervention and when each is critically needed. Also, noted is the importance of built-in evaluations, outcome measures, and performance indicators for all crisis intervention services and programs. We are recommending that the Roberts’ crisis intervention tool be used for time-limited response to persons in acute crisis. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 5:329–339 (2005)]