What is the goal of crisis intervention?

The goal of crisis intervention is to restore the individual to their pre-crisis level of functioning. Crisis intervention is a short-term, focused approach aimed at addressing immediate issues and providing support during a time of crisis. This method seeks to stabilize the individual, help them regain control, and assist them in coping with the stressor they are facing.

Restoring someone to their previous level of functioning is crucial because crises can disrupt an individual's ability to function normally in their daily life, affecting their emotional and psychological well-being. Effective crisis intervention helps individuals reestablish their coping mechanisms, enabling them to return to a stable state, which is essential for their continued health and wellbeing.

While other options may touch upon aspects of mental health care, they do not align with the primary aim of crisis intervention. For example, isolating the individual can sometimes be counterproductive as it may exacerbate feelings of loneliness or abandonment. Long-term therapy is generally not the focus of crisis intervention, which is typically designed to be brief and immediate. Evaluating underlying mental health issues is often part of ongoing treatment rather than a primary goal during a crisis, as the immediate concern is to help the person regain a sense of stability and safety.