A description of the main functions of mental health crisis response

Instruction Details

Discussion Post:
Post a description of the main functions of mental health crisis response. Then, explain what aspects of an effective crisis response approach may have been missing or unexplored in your responses to earlier Discussion scenarios. Finally, describe a potential, unforeseen situation that could occur where you would have to pivot your approach.
Learning Resources:
Geroski, A. M. (2017). Helping people in crisis Download Helping people in crisis. In Skills for helping professionals (pp. 233–264). SAGE Publications.
Credit line: Skills for helping professionals, by Geroski, A. M. Copyright 2017 by SAGE Publications, Inc. Reprinted by permission of SAGE Publications, Inc via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Kapil, R. (2019, August 15). Five tips for nonjudgmental listeningLinks to an external site.. Mental Health First Aid USA
Rossetto, A., Jorm, A. F., & Reavley, N. J. (2018). Developing a model of help giving towards people with a mental health problem: A qualitative study of Mental Health First Aid participantsLinks to an external site.. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 12(48), 1–15.
Review Fig. 1: Model of help giving for situations involving a mental health problem or mental health crisis and Fig 2. The helping spectrum: types of help and examples.
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 6 minutes.

Discussion Sample

Mental health crisis response plays a pivotal role in providing immediate support and assistance to individuals facing acute mental health challenges. The main functions of such a response encompass a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, effective crisis response entails active and empathetic listening, allowing individuals to express their feelings and thoughts without judgment. This element of crisis response is critical in building trust and rapport, as it conveys to the individual that their emotions and concerns are being acknowledged and validated.

Assessing the severity of the crisis is another fundamental function. This involves gathering information to determine the level of risk and immediate needs of the person in crisis. It enables responders to evaluate the urgency of the situation and formulate an appropriate plan of action. In scenarios involving mental health crises, understanding the person’s emotional state and any potential risk factors, such as self-harm or suicidal ideation, is of utmost importance.

Furthermore, crisis responders play a key role in providing information and making referrals to mental health professionals or services. This function ensures that individuals in crisis receive ongoing support beyond the immediate intervention. It is essential to inform the person about available resources, crisis helplines, or local mental health services where they can seek further assistance. Referral to specialized professionals ensures that the individual receives comprehensive and specialized care.

Upon reflection on earlier discussion scenarios, while these key functions were addressed, there were aspects that might have been underexplored. For instance, the emphasis on assessing risk factors and ensuring immediate safety could have been more prominent in some cases. Mental health crises often involve a high level of risk, and effective crisis response should prioritize safety measures and risk assessment. Additionally, the provision of information and referral to additional professional help could have been more detailed and specific. Indicating available resources or hotlines for the individual in crisis could enhance the response.

Furthermore, addressing the individual’s emotional and psychological state comprehensively is paramount. Effective crisis response requires not only addressing the immediate crisis but also providing emotional support and validation. This approach could be enhanced by offering detailed guidance on how to validate the individual’s emotions, empathize with their distress, and provide reassurance.

An unforeseen situation that might require a pivot in approach could involve encountering an individual in a crisis whose primary language differs from that of the responder. This could pose significant communication challenges and barriers to effective crisis intervention. In such instances, the crisis responder would need to adapt their approach swiftly and creatively. It may involve the use of interpretation services, if available, or finding alternative methods of communication to ensure the individual’s needs are understood and addressed effectively.

Non-verbal communication, such as gestures, body language, and facial expressions, can play a crucial role in bridging the communication gap. Additionally, employing aids like translation apps or services could facilitate communication and ensure that the individual’s emotional state and needs are accurately assessed and addressed. This situation would require the responder to be resourceful and adaptable in their approach, ensuring that the language barrier does not impede the provision of necessary support to the individual in crisis.

In conclusion, the functions of mental health crisis response are multifaceted and include active listening, risk assessment, provision of information, and referral to professional help. While these functions were addressed in earlier scenarios, there is always room for improvement and a need for a more detailed and nuanced approach. Unforeseen situations, such as language barriers, can require rapid pivots in the response approach, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and creativity in crisis intervention.

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