Understanding Crisis Intervention Services

Understanding Crisis Intervention Services

Crisis intervention services ensure people have access to the support they need to function and heal. According to StatPearls Publishing, “Crisis intervention is a short-term management technique designed to reduce potential permanent damage to an individual affected by a crisis.” Alter San Diego Crisis Intervention offers crisis stabilization and other treatment options for individuals experiencing mental health issues. 

What Are Crisis Intervention Services? 

People going through a mental health crisis require comprehensive treatment and intervention services. According to the previously mentioned article in StatPearls Publishing, “A successful intervention involves obtaining background information on the patient, establishing a positive relationship, discussing the events, and providing emotional support.” The mental health professionals at Alter San Diego Crisis Intervention encourage clients to treat them like friends and confide in them. We believe that creating strong bonds allows us to provide the best treatment.  

Some of the services we provide include: 

  • Multiple methods of individual therapy 
  • Medication management
  • Whole-person wellness
  • Recovery and safety planning
  • Referral for ongoing services
  • Family and community support 

Alter San Diego Crisis Intervention offers a continuum of care that includes partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and aftercare services. We ensure that every client has access to the personalized care they need to recover from a crisis. 

The Steps of Crisis Intervention

Crisis stabilization requires clients to learn essential life skills, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and address underlying issues. In many cases, the primary causes of the disorder involve past trauma or chronic stress. The following crisis intervention steps help people transition into treatment and long-term recovery.

#1. Recognizing the Need for an Intervention

Some people have difficulty seeing how their thoughts or behaviors might harm them or cause mental health issues. Part of crisis care includes helping people recognize the benefits of treatment. Family members or loved ones often facilitate treatment and help people find the motivation to reach out to professional recovery programs. 

We offer various support services that can help clients come to terms with the reality of their situation. Recognizing the need for a professional intervention can do the following: 

  • Increase confidence in the recovery process 
  • Reduce ambivalence about treatment 
  • Provide realistic recovery goals 

#2. Prevention and Crisis Management Strategies

Reducing potential harm is the goal of prevention and crisis management strategies. Every case is unique. You can collaborate with your care team to develop a prevention strategy that ensures you avoid certain triggers. 

A few steps that everyone can take to lower their risk of a mental health crisis include: 

  • Getting the recommended amount of quality sleep each night 
  • Eating regular nutritional meals 
  • Exercising the recommended amount of time each week 
  • Avoiding unhealthy or maladaptive habits and behaviors 
  • Regularly checking in with loved ones and discussing issues with trusted peers 
  • Setting clear personal and professional boundaries

Suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors are two areas people often focus on when creating prevention strategies. Self-harm or suicidal behaviors present some of the most dangerous mental health symptoms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable.” Alter San Diego Crisis Intervention provides prevention education and support for clients and alumni. 

#3. Crisis Intervention and the Continuum of Care 

Treatment for mental health disorders exists along a continuum ranging from residential care to sober living communities. The most common forms of treatment include PHP and IOP. In addition to providing necessary resources, education, and support, IOP and PHP also allow people to meet their personal and professional responsibilities during treatment. Crisis intervention in a partial hospitalization or outpatient setting provides schedule flexibility and access to support services. You can take advantage of the crisis stabilization unit (CSU) at Alter San Diego Crisis Intervention to recover from acute or chronic mental health issues.  

#4. Aftercare Services and Long-Term Recovery 

Alumni of Alter San Diego Crisis Intervention have access to referrals, continuing support, and aftercare planning. We ensure clients feel comfortable and confident in their recovery before transitioning to aftercare services. Every client has access to the following after completing one of our treatment programs: 

  • Referrals to community-based resources
  • Information on local self-help groups and peer-led organizations
  • Details about local 12-Step groups for individuals with co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD) 
  • Family support services 

We want you to succeed at achieving and maintaining positive mental health. Our dedicated team provides compassionate intervention treatment and multiple levels of care to ensure you have a strong support system that will help you develop essential coping skills. 

A Crisis Intervention Can Help You Heal 

We ensure that every client feels confident and secure in their recovery before transitioning into aftercare. Crisis care will stabilize your emotional, physical and spiritual health while also addressing any co-occurring or underlying issues that might impact your recovery. You are never alone at Alter San Diego Crisis Intervention, and you will have the same care team guiding you through your recovery from start to finish. 

Some people feel too embarrassed, ashamed, or afraid to reach out for help with mental health issues until it reaches a point where they have no choice. However, avoiding professional treatment can cause significant emotional distress and impact personal or professional relationships. Crisis intervention treatment is the best way to recover from a mental health crisis. The structured care offered at Alter San Diego Crisis Intervention provides clients with a safe space to learn, grow, and heal. You can get relief from emotional distress and go on to thrive in your recovery. To learn more about the programs and services we have to offer, call us today at (866) 986-1481.