Crisis Intervention
What is Crisis Intervention?
Crisis therapy describes a short-term stabilization therapy with attentive support between 7am-10pm, when needed. This is an appropriate therapy if a client is not feeling stable enough to only receive weekly or bi-weekly therapy, but is not in acute and imminent risk of relapse on substances, suicidality, or other dangerous behavior. Additionally crisis therapy is appropriate after a community trauma, such as the Marshall Fires or the King Soopers Shootings.
Our crisis therapists are attentive, empathetic, and solution-focused. They are dedicated first-responders who develop strategies for managing challenging situations. Crisis therapy sessions help the individual identify goals and take steps towards achieving them.
By understanding the needs of each individual client and creating a safe space for healing dialogue and self-discovery, crisis therapy can be a life-changing experience.
In addition to providing resources and tools for overcoming mental health issues, crisis therapists also help their clients build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and improve self-care habits that will promote continued growth and well-being long term. By empowering individuals to take control of their thoughts and feelings, as well as recognizing their strengths and potentials, crisis therapy can lead to lasting changes in mental health recovery.
Through effective communication techniques like active listening; emotion regulation strategies such as mindfulness; and problem-solving techniques, crisis therapy can provide individuals with the skills they need to navigate trauma and suicidality.
Kairos Wellness Collective therapists are trained in the CAMS protocol.
The Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) is a therapeutic framework designed to assess and manage suicidality. It focuses on collaboratively working with the individual experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors to understand their unique experiences, develop a shared understanding of their distress, and create a personalized plan for managing suicidality. Here are the key components of the CAMS protocol:
Assessment: The therapist conducts a comprehensive assessment of the individual's suicidal experiences, including the frequency, intensity, and duration of suicidal thoughts, as well as any previous suicide attempts. They explore the individual's personal experiences, feelings, and beliefs related to suicidality, taking a non-judgmental and empathetic approach.
Treatment Collaboration: The therapist and individual work together as equal partners in treatment. The individual's perspective and preferences are actively sought and respected throughout the process. The therapist seeks to understand the individual's unique story, including their pain, reasons for living, and barriers to seeking help.
Risk Formulation: The therapist collaboratively formulates an understanding of the factors contributing to the individual's suicidality. This includes identifying the primary drivers, triggers, and patterns of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It helps to identify modifiable factors and informs the development of a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment Planning: Based on the risk formulation, the therapist and individual collaboratively develop a treatment plan. This plan includes specific interventions and strategies to manage suicidality, build coping skills, and enhance the individual's sense of safety and hope. It may involve individual therapy, family involvement, and coordination with other professionals as needed.
Suicide Status Form: The Suicide Status Form is a critical tool used in CAMS. It is a structured assessment that is repeated throughout treatment to track the individual's suicidal ideation, intensity, and desire for death over time. It helps the individual and therapist monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Treatment Targets: CAMS emphasizes identifying and addressing the individual's specific targets for treatment. This may include reducing emotional pain, increasing reasons for living, building problem-solving skills, enhancing social support, and developing a personalized safety plan.
Safety Planning: A critical aspect of CAMS involves collaboratively creating a comprehensive safety plan. This plan includes identifying warning signs, coping strategies, supportive individuals, and professional resources to be accessed during times of distress or escalating suicidality.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support: The therapist regularly checks in with the individual to assess their progress, monitor for any changes in suicidality, and provide ongoing support. This includes reviewing the Suicide Status Form, discussing treatment targets, and adjusting the treatment plan as needed.
The CAMS protocol is designed to empower individuals experiencing suicidality, enhance their safety, and provide them with effective strategies for managing their distress. It emphasizes collaboration, empathy, and personalized care to support the individual's journey toward recovery and well-being. It is important for CAMS to be implemented by trained professionals who have received specific training in the approach.
*If you are experiencing a crisis and unable to reach our office, please contact Natalia Aiza directly at 720-598-2644
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Furthermore, crisis therapy encourages self-reflection and understanding of one’s own strengths and weaknesses, ultimately leading to improved mental health outcomes. Crisis therapists are committed to creating a safe environment for their clients where they can talk openly about their struggles without fear or judgment.
Ultimately, crisis therapy is an effective intervention that can help individuals work through various issues related to mental health. It allows individuals to gain insight into their thoughts and feelings while providing the support and resources needed to reach their goals. With compassionate guidance, crisis therapy can provide individuals with the tools necessary for long-lasting mental health improvement.
When should I make a Crisis Appointment at Kairos?
Crisis appointments are most appropriate in the following circumstances
Thoughts of harming yourself
Thoughts of harming someone else
Recent trauma (e.g., physical or sexual assault)
When you are emotionally unable to wait for the process of getting matched with a therapist, and need someone who is immediately available.
However, it is important to remember that crisis therapy should only be used on a short-term basis and should not be seen as a replacement for ongoing care. Crisis therapists are highly trained professionals who strive to provide support during times of distress but may not always have the resources or capacity to provide long-term treatment plans. It is essential that individuals seeking relief from their mental health challenges receive comprehensive and ongoing therapeutic support from qualified healthcare providers such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or licensed counselors.
When should I seek a higher level of care?
If symptoms worsen, distress intensifies and you believe you cannot keep yourself safe go to ER immediately. If you decide to go to the ER, let them know you are seeking a voluntary psychiatric placement.
If you need a locked unit, tell them that. You being an advocate for yourself is crucial and sometimes we need locked units. The best outcome for inpatient care is when we exercise autonomy in seeking it. But if you just need a safe supportive therapeutic environment, ask for a voluntary Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU).
After 10p, if you need to speak with a counselor:
Call the Colorado Crisis Line at 1-844-493-8255
Or Text “TALK” to 38255
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Do you have questions about Crisis Intervention? Contact us using the form below and we’d be happy to help.
Want to learn more about crisis intervention?
Change is just around the corner, please contact Kairos Wellness Collective for further details and to get help.