Which sequence correctly lists the four steps used in crisis intervention techniques?

Which sequence correctly lists the four steps used in crisis intervention techniques?

• A. Assessment, Determination, Intervention, Resolution
• B. Assessment, Intervention, Determination, Resolution
• C. Determination, Assessment, Intervention, Resolution
• D. Assessment, Determination, Resolution, Intervention

Answer: (A)

Crisis intervention follows a practical, safety-focused order. You begin by assessing the situation to understand what happened, who is at risk, what their immediate needs are, and how serious the danger is. This assessment guides the next step: determining the appropriate course of action and resources—what risks must be managed, what supports are needed, and what goals to aim for. With a plan in place, you move to the intervention itself—putting in place coping strategies, calming techniques, safety planning, and supports to reduce acute distress. The final step is resolution, where you stabilize the situation, review what occurred, and connect the person with ongoing resources or referrals to prevent another crisis, then arrange follow-up. This order makes sense because you can’t effectively intervene or resolve without first understanding the scope of the problem and having a plan. Determining a course of action without assessment risks inappropriate or unsafe actions; intervening without a plan could miss critical safety considerations; resolving before intervention would skip the actual relief work needed to reduce distress and stabilize the person.

Crisis intervention follows a practical, safety-focused order. You begin by assessing the situation to understand what happened, who is at risk, what their immediate needs are, and how serious the danger is. This assessment guides the next step: determining the appropriate course of action and resources—what risks must be managed, what supports are needed, and what goals to aim for. With a plan in place, you move to the intervention itself—putting in place coping strategies, calming techniques, safety planning, and supports to reduce acute distress. The final step is resolution, where you stabilize the situation, review what occurred, and connect the person with ongoing resources or referrals to prevent another crisis, then arrange follow-up.

This order makes sense because you can’t effectively intervene or resolve without first understanding the scope of the problem and having a plan. Determining a course of action without assessment risks inappropriate or unsafe actions; intervening without a plan could miss critical safety considerations; resolving before intervention would skip the actual relief work needed to reduce distress and stabilize the person.