Crisis Intervention & Prevention Flashcards
7 cards from real SAC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Crisis Intervention & Prevention flashcards as text
Which model of crisis intervention focuses on helping individuals restore functioning to at least the pre-crisis level through a structured, time-limited approach?
Answer: The Equilibrium Model
The Equilibrium Model (Caplan, 1964) aims to restore the individual's psychological balance to the pre-crisis or higher level of functioning through brief, focused intervention.
A student tells a SAC counselor they are having thoughts of suicide but have no plan or means. What is the FIRST priority action?
Answer: Conduct a thorough suicide risk assessment
Conducting a thorough risk assessment is the first clinical step to determine lethality, intent, plan, and means before any other action.
The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is primarily used in school settings to:
Answer: Screen and assess the severity of suicidal ideation and behavior
The C-SSRS is a validated assessment tool used to screen for suicidal ideation and behavior and classify its severity, which informs intervention decisions.
In the ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) model for suicide prevention, what does the 'T' in ACT direct a peer or counselor to do?
Answer: Tell a trusted adult or authority about the concern
In the ACT model, 'Tell' means reporting the concern to a trusted adult, administrator, or counselor who can provide professional help.
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'means restriction' in suicide prevention?
Answer: Reducing access to lethal methods such as firearms and medications
Means restriction refers to reducing access to lethal means (e.g., firearms, medications) because the time between impulse and attempt is often short, and access to means greatly increases risk.
After a suicide in a school community, which approach is recommended to prevent contagion (copycat suicides)?
Answer: Following safe messaging guidelines and providing targeted support
Safe messaging guidelines (avoiding detailed method descriptions and glorification) combined with targeted mental health support to vulnerable students is the evidence-based approach to reduce suicide contagion.
A crisis intervention team (CIT) in a school setting is MOST effective when it:
Answer: Has a pre-established plan, clear roles, and regular training before a crisis occurs
Research shows that pre-established plans with clearly defined roles and regular training dramatically improve a team's effectiveness during an actual crisis.