What Is Crisis Counseling And When Should You Seek It?-💜

Key Takeaways

• Crisis counseling provides support for people who are facing sudden traumatic life events. This may include loss of a loved one or natural disasters.
• These sessions focus on your immediate needs instead of long-term therapy. Counselors will quickly evaluate your situation, provide you with coping skills, stress management skills, and help support you throughout any emotional distress.
• You should access crisis support if you're feeling overwhelmed after a traumatic event like domestic violence, losing a job, death of a friend or family member. Also seek crisis counseling if you are struggling with substance abuse or if you're experiencing deep sadness, confusion, or suicidal thoughts.
• You can receive these services through hospitals, nonprofits, police departments, and government agencies within the United States, and through crisis hotlines like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) and Crisis Text Line (text "HOME" to 741741).
• Most counselors have been trained in psychology or human services. Trained volunteers can also respond to crises. Reaching out and asking for help can lead to fast solutions and provide you with longer-term mental health care support if needed.

What Is Crisis Counseling?

Crisis counseling goes beyond standard therapy practices to address life's more difficult events. During a mental health crisis, you will receive immediate help for your most urgent needs. This may occur after traumatic experiences including natural disasters or the loss of a loved one.

The American Counseling Association states that this crisis method helps people first get in control of their lives before returning back to their normal routine after a sudden disruption.

It's also important to understand that crisis counseling is not the same as long-term therapy, but a focused intervention for immediate needs. Sessions for crisis counseling are usually short and last just a few meetings.

Trained crisis counselors will start by working with you on your problem-solving skills and coping strategies right away. The goal of this method is to decrease the intensity of your emotions, regain your sense of safety, a sense of control, and address your basic needs in your current situation.

You can access crisis counseling services in hospitals, nonprofits, police departments, and government agencies throughout Michigan and the U.S., as well as through hotlines like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or Crisis Text Line.

Most professional counselors have advanced training in psychology or human services to assist you right away. Many volunteers are also trained for crisis response. Unlike traditional therapy that addresses long-term mental health issues, crisis intervention focuses only on what you need right now so you can move forward safely with guided support.

When Should You Seek Crisis Counseling?

If you're feeling lost, depressed, or scared, crisis counseling can support you.

• After a traumatic event like domestic violence or losing a loved one or a job, you may need to seek out professional help to cope with the pain.
• If you're experiencing extreme sadness from depression or PTSD, crises support is for you. It's ideal for those struggling with intense mental health conditions.
• If you notice warning signs when it comes to your feelings or behavior, for example, feeling very sad, confused, or scared much of the time, seek help.
• Suicidal thoughts are not to be ignored. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 right away if you notice them come up.
• Struggling with substance use disorders is another sign you should get support.
• Reach out for help if you're experiencing stress that becomes overwhelming and makes your daily life difficult to manage.
• Are family members noticing you acting differently or not like yourself? Listen to them because they will often see things you don't.
• After a traumatic event like sexual assault, counseling is available to guide you to healing.
• Veterans facing anxiety, depression, or PTSD can call 988 and press 1 for a special veterans line.
• Text "HOME" to 741741 for mobile crisis response if talking about your concerns seems too vulnerable, but you still need to speak with someone right away.

Crisis counseling provides a safe place to talk about your mental health problems and to learn better coping skills. You don't have to experience this alone.

Key Elements of Crisis Counseling

Crisis counseling is composed of four main steps. First, a crisis intervention counselor will quickly assess the crisis situation by evaluating urgent risk factors like suicidal ideation, acute stress, or any immediate threats to client safety.

Second, counselors will educate you about their support services, explaining what you can expect during treatment and sharing community resources like crisis hotlines.

Third, counselors will provide emotional support by applying active listening and acceptance, making sure you feel comfortable during the session.

Fourth, you'll practice building coping skills to apply against any emotional distress coming from life events like post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health emergencies, or other crisis level problems.

Your crisis counselor may include developing an action plan or a safety plan like a Crisis Intervention Plan which can help you plan for future mental health crises. Crisis sessions tend to be brief. Many people attend only between one to three meetings and continue with longer-term counseling programs as next steps if needed.

Get The Help You Need

Crisis support is a vital type of clinical mental health counseling for those facing serious mental health battles. These life changing session can help you regain control and find solutions to your immediate needs fast. This support is especially important during when you are in the midst of extreme life events, like loss or trauma.



With the use of effective strategies, you can learn the skills to cope and manage stress to improve your mental health. If you're struggling with your mental health and relate to the symptoms of personal crisis, reach out to our experts at CNS Healthcare. Taking quick action can make a significant difference in how you handle crisis today, and also in the future.

FAQs