What is a primary component of crisis intervention in SUD counseling?

• A. Schedule long-term therapy sessions and delay action.
• B. Assess risk, ensure safety, implement a safety plan, and coordinate crisis resources.
• C. Share the client's information with non-crisis staff.
• D. Ignore immediate risk and let the client calm down.

Answer: (B)

In a crisis situation with someone dealing with substance use disorder, the priority is immediate stabilization and safety. The best approach focuses on quickly assessing risk to determine if there is imminent danger to the client or others, taking concrete steps to keep the person safe, and coordinating access to crisis resources. This means evaluating for thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, removing or reducing immediate means of danger, and implementing a clear safety plan that outlines what the client will do, who will be contacted, and what supports are available. At the same time, connect the client with appropriate crisis resources—such as emergency services, a crisis hotline, mobile crisis intervention, or inpatient admission if necessary. These actions address the urgent situation and set up support for subsequent treatment.

Options that delay action by scheduling only long-term therapy ignore the immediate need to stabilize safety. Sharing information with non-crisis staff can violate confidentiality and isn’t how crisis intervention is typically managed when safety is at stake. Ignoring the immediate risk and letting the client calm down is unsafe and fails to meet the duty to protect the client.