The Introduction of a Task Model for Crisis Intervention

Abstract

This article reviews published models for crisis intervention to identify common tasks. Two categories of tasks were identified, continuous and focused. Continuous tasks (assessment, safety, and support) are those that are addressed throughout the entire intervention process. Mental health counselors (MHCs) must attend to these at all times when assisting clients in crisis. Focused tasks (contact, re-establishing control, defining the problem, and follow-up) are time-encapsulated: once a task is accomplished, MHCs can move on to another. However, given the chaotic nature of crises, MHCs may have to return to these at points during the intervention.