A mental health crisis can occur for any number of different reasons. When a person experiences a stressful or traumatic event, they can go into crisis soon after due to an inability to process the event. Teens are even more vulnerable to mental health conditions than adults, as they may lack the proper tools to deal with a crisis. When someone experiences a challenging situation, they may become dangerous to themselves and those around them. Crisis intervention may be necessary to safely address the issues and get them to accept professional care.
No parent ever wants to have a crisis intervention for teens, but the reality is that many mental health challenges can emerge during adolescence. If you are concerned about your teen and think they need immediate help, Imagine Fort Collins offers crisis intervention services administered by compassionate, non-judgmental mental health professionals. Taking decisive action when your teen is going through a crisis is essential. Teen intervention must be approached as a level-headed discussion where you can safely express your concern for your teen. Reach out to Imagine Fort Collins at 888.291.2309 to learn more about how we can help.
What Is Crisis Intervention?
Crisis intervention is a short-term intervention administered by a certified behavioral therapist or mental health worker. It is done to assess and identify the type of crisis a patient is going through. This helps address an immediate mental health emergency and stabilize the individual in crisis. After an assessment, the therapist will develop a plan for the next steps and future treatment. There are many reasons that teens may experience a crisis, including:
- Bullying
- The death of a loved one or friend
- Sexual identity or gender confusion
- Divorce and other family relationship issues
- Natural disasters
- Abuse and neglect
If a teen cannot process their experience of these events, they are much more likely to start developing negative thoughts and behaviors, such as turning to drugs and alcohol to cope. A crisis intervention helps teens understand where their feelings are coming from and cope with them in a healthier, more productive way.
Common Crisis Intervention Techniques and Strategies
Some core crisis intervention strategies can help a vast majority of teens experiencing a crisis.
Define the Problem
The first step during crisis intervention is to determine the core problem that must be solved or at least minimized or mitigated.
Ensure the Patient’s Safety
A patient going through a crisis may feel unsafe and incapable of dealing with their emotions because of a lack of stability. Ensuring their safety will help them begin to heal.
Provide Support
Demonstrating support can reassure the patient and allow them to enter a calmer state where they can begin to solve the core problem. This support can also boost their confidence and make them more willing to examine their experience instead of avoiding it.
Examine Alternatives
The therapist encourages the patient to explore alternatives for coping strategies and places where they can seek support and new ways of looking at the problem.
Make a Plan
The therapist and patient will work together to develop specific plans for implementing alternatives, focusing on clear and actionable steps that the patient can take.
Obtain Commitment
The therapist will put the plan in writing so that the patient knows what they need to do going forward. This will also help them remember what helped them during the crisis and remind them of their commitment to their action plan.
Consider the Crisis Intervention Program at Imagine Fort Collins
At Imagine Fort Collins, we offer a crisis intervention program to help patients who require professional support for their teens. Our mental health team knows early intervention is essential to prevent worse mental health outcomes. They can guide you and your teen in the right direction to get through a crisis. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 888.291.2309 to get immediate treatment.