As clinicians, we would all be grateful if we never encountered crises in the clinical setting, but the unfortunate truth is, that regardless of where we practice, crises will inevitably show up. So, what do we do when it does? This training will focus on how to identify crises when they arise and what steps to follow.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Determine criteria for crises
- Work to resolve crises in the moment
- Create a plan of action to help clients stay safe
- And what to do if there is ambiguity regarding safety
Syllabus:
Introduction to Crisis Intervention
- Define what constitutes a crisis in clinical practice
- Identify key components of a crisis: precipitating event, perception of threat, and inability to cope
- Review Caplan’s crisis theory and foundational crisis response models
- Differentiate between chronic problems and crisis states
Objection #1: Recognizing and Responding to Suicidal Crisis
- Understand the range of suicidal ideation and behaviors
- Identify risk factors, warning signs, and changes in behavior during a crisis
- Apply clinical tools and response strategies based on severity and acuity
- Explore emotional, behavioral, and cognitive shifts during suicidal ideation
Objection #2: Client Responses to Crisis
- Recognize common crisis responses: aggression, passivity, psychosis, depression, and catatonia
- Understand passive-aggressive and dependent behaviors in high-stress scenarios
- Adapt responses based on client presentation and capacity
Objection #3: Approaching a Person in Crisis
- Use validation, curiosity, and nonjudgment to build rapport
- Avoid confrontation and overpromising
- Maintain grounding and present-focused orientation
- Create a calm and structured environment
- Practice active listening and safety-focused inquiry
Objection #4: Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention Models
- Utilize evidence-based models including the LAPC Model, CAMS, and CALM
- Conduct Lethal Means Assessment and Counseling to reduce access to suicide methods
- Use the SAFE-T protocol for structured suicide risk evaluation and triage
- Apply Cognitive Processing Therapy and DBT skills to reduce suicide risk
Objection #5: Safety Planning and Lethality Evaluation
- Develop personalized safety plans including protective factors and coping strategies
- Document suicide risk assessments using structured tools and templates
- Educate clients and families on lethal means restriction and support options
- Access virtual tools and apps for suicide prevention and crisis de-escalation
Objection #6: When Safety is Unclear
- Address clinical ambiguity with professional consultation and documentation
- Use judgment, supervision, and collaborative care approaches
- Consider hospitalization or emergency response when necessary
Objection #7: Protective Factors and Long-Term Strategies
- Identify individual, relational, and systemic protective factors
- Promote self-care practices, community engagement, and therapeutic connection
- Develop long-term goals that support resilience and healing
- Encourage self-compassion and reduce clinician burnout through reflective practices
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Stacy Blankenship, LCSW
Recording Date: 5/13/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com