How to become A Crisis Intervention Counsellor

• Crisis Counsellor
• Crisis Line Counsellor 
• Trauma Counsellor
• Mental Health Counsellor

What do Crisis Intervention Counsellors do?

A Crisis Intervention Counsellor would typically need to:

• Create and provide a safe environment to support clients in managing a crisis; help them process and cope with despair, uncertainty or grief due to domestic violence, sexual assault, divorce, a near one’s death, or other traumatic events
• Provide counselling services in emergencies or unforeseen occurrences where those involved require immediate support or on an ongoing basis to clients to help them resolve long-term issues precipitated by a crisis
• Interview clients and assess their needs and treatment goals; observe their non-verbal cues and body language to understand the situation and gauge emotional states and responses to treatment
• Gather, analyse and interpret data from surveys and observations to make informed decisions regarding individuals or groups
• Assess and explain a situation to patients while offering psychological support and keeping an open line of communication for questions and answers about mental health
• Devise and execute treatment plans and therapeutic interventions to help clients understand the event and alleviate the trauma 
• Provide crisis management assistance during the acute stage; taper off as clients learn and practise coping mechanisms, showing evidence of regaining control over their life and emotions 
• Conduct individual and group therapy sessions, as needed, to tackle cases of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, PTSD, and anger management
• Assess a client’s suicide risk and provide confidential crisis counselling if they are actively suicidal or emotionally distressed; advise safety plans for elevated risk; seek paramedical help in acute situations
• Provide interventions for clients in danger of hurting themselves or others; make the client feel supported and motivated by engaging friends and family in the intervention
• Travel to help schools and communities in locations that have experienced violence or natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, or earthquakes 
• Assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault process their emotions of anger, confusion, depression, or anxiety by providing confidential support, resources and referrals; help victims plan for their safety
• Use the skills of active listening, empathy, and appropriate confrontation as necessary; communicate with family members, healthcare staff, government agencies, and other stakeholders
• Schedule follow-up sessions to keep track of the patients’ progress and setbacks
• Refer patients to other mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists or therapists, social services agencies or medical facilities for long-term treatment
• Write and file progress reports during treatment; present reports in court or legal teams if needed to defend clients; maintain financial and patient records
• Communicate with team members to deliver and improve counselling services and crisis intervention
• Conduct briefings and workshops to share research, reports and publications; train others in the field
• Conduct group therapy sessions on topics of widespread interest, such as parenting skills or stress and anger management
• Facilitate legal intervention, outreach and referrals

Since Crisis Intervention Counsellors work for diverse facilities, the work environment can vary. Given the growing role of online or telephonic counselling, you may not need to present yourself in person at the organisation or facility you work for but could work from home or remotely.

A Crisis Intervention Counsellor often collaborates with clinical psychologists, licensed counsellors, psychiatrists, and other mental health practitioners, such as marriage & family therapists, grief counsellors and victim abuse counsellors, in their practices or at mental or community health agencies, with drug/alcohol rehabilitation programs and the criminal justice system. 

If they work for disaster relief and humanitarian aid organisations, they may need to work with refugees or travel to areas affected by war or natural calamities.

Many have their own private crisis intervention education and consulting practices offering services to a wide array of people and organisations.

Depending upon your job and clientele, you may deal with emotionally distressing and high-pressure situations. Hence, it would help to choose a setting you believe is manageable and suitable. 

As a Crisis Intervention Counsellor, you may also work on employee assistance programs specifically catered to help employees in corporates and offices deal with personal and workplace problems.

Crisis Intervention Counsellors typically work full time, although their schedules depend on the number and availability of clients. Several inpatient facilities may expect you to work evening and night shifts or weekends to accommodate the varying schedules of clients or handle emergencies. Since crises can happen at any hour, you must also stay ready to tackle urgent calls and emails.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Crisis Intervention Counsellors can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Crisis Intervention Counsellors are generally employed by:

• Mental Health Centers
• Public Hospitals & Clinics
• Private Practice
• Emergency Rooms
• Outpatient Treatment Centres
• Educational Institutions
• Community Agencies
• Substance Abuse Treatment or Detox Centres
• Military Camps
• Humanitarian Organisations 
• Prisons
• Parole & Probation Agencies
• Juvenile Detention Facilities
• Telephone Crisis Intervention Counseling Centres
• Non-Profit Helplines
• Online/Live Chat Counseling Forums

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Association for Counselling (IAC), are crucial for Crisis Intervention Counsellors interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• The difficulty of counselling patients who are reluctant, embarrassed, shy, or sceptical to share their thoughts, experiences and concerns
• Staying objective by putting aside personal ideologies, religious and political stances, judgements, and prejudices when listening to patients and providing care based on their frame of reference
• Setting limits and boundaries in the relationship with your patient so that professionalism is maintained at both ends yet providing compassionate care 
• Intervening under challenging situations or tackling agitated clients while staying calm
• Managing large workloads without adequate resources when working for a healthcare facility or other organisation 
• Looking after one’s mental health, given that hearing stories of trauma and helping clients deal with the aftermath of violence and tragedy can be overwhelming for Crisis Intervention Counsellors despite being trained in the same 
• Measuring your self-worth per the progress of a client, and hence setting unrealistic and unachievable expectations 
• Providing trustworthy, consistent and cohesive counselling support amidst conflicting mental healthcare systems that exist
• The loneliness that may stem from not being able to share their work experiences and emotions with others, particularly at the beginning of their career

Several Crisis Intervention Counsellors begin by volunteering at shelters, college campuses or non-profit organisations to understand the intricacies of trauma that come with different patients and cases. Contacting your school administrator can be a helpful way to stay updated with opportunities in the field.

Another way to introduce yourself to a career in mental healthcare is to vol­unteer at a local hospital, clinic or nursing home. Work experience demonstrates your interest and dedication to the profession. It also allows you to understand what it is like to work around other healthcare professionals and patients. In addition, interacting and working with diverse clients helps you understand different behaviours, situations, and problems you may encounter during your practice as a Crisis Intervention Counsellor.

In addition, working with a diverse range of clients helps you build an understanding of different behaviours, situations, and problems you may encounter during your practice as a Crisis Intervention Counsellor.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in crisis counselling to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Most entry-level jobs require a bachelor’s degree in psychology, human services, public policy, behavioural science, social work, or a health-related field. However, employment requirements may vary according to location and work, ranging from a high school diploma to a PhD.

Some employers may require you to pursue a master’s degree in clinical counselling or related areas. A master’s degree allows you to provide clients with private one-on-one counselling sessions with minimal supervision and increases the scope of your job opportunities and remuneration. It is also an avenue that can lead you to become a licensed Crisis Intervention Counsellor, particularly for aspirants with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than psychology, human services or health.

A master’s degree in clinical mental health counselling teaches you crisis management techniques to help diverse clients overcome mental, behavioural and emotional issues. Assessment techniques, treatment planning, psychotherapy, and therapeutic support are also integral program components. Live discussions and class coursework go hand in hand in with the requisite number of clinical counselling hours under the supervision of a licensed or certified intervention counsellor.

Some Crisis Intervention Counsellors may earn a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree, which takes four to five years to complete and involves professional clinical experience.

Aspiring Crisis Intervention Counsellors may start to prepare for their career by taking high school courses in psychology, sociology and public policy.

Crisis Intervention Counsellors must typically be licensed or hold relevant certification to work with clients legally. A master’s degree program is usually mandatory to sit certification and licensing exams and prepares you for them.

Certification demonstrates a Crisis Intervention Counsellor’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, it can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Determine with local or national crisis counselling organisations whether you need licensure to practise. If you do, you will likely need to complete supervised clinical work under a licensed counsellor as part of your master’s degree program before applying. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience. Aspiring Crisis Intervention Counsellors must also undergo a background check and provide references to be able to sit for the appropriate and recognised licensing examination.

You will need to periodically renew your certification and licensure by undertaking continued education and fulfilling other mandatory requirements.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. 

You could begin by working as a Crisis Intervention Counsellor and head to becoming a Case Manager. This trajectory will eventually allow you to serve as an organisation's Director of Social Services.

You may also become a licensed Psychologist, Psychiatrist or Clinical Social Worker by fulfilling the requirements, including higher and relevant qualifications, licensure, certification, and experience. Continuing education and building a solid network may allow you to enter management roles to work as Counselling Program Directors or Administrators. Or you may launch your private practice as a Consultant. Another avenue is to train to become a Trainer or Supervisor for other Crisis Intervention Counsellors.

Candidates with the necessary higher academic qualification, supported by relevant certification, licensure, skills, and experience, have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Crisis Intervention Counsellor build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Typically, you will receive training on the job to learn organisational policies and procedures and the technological systems in place. 

A Crisis Intervention Counsellor must stay updated with research and developments in the field. You must also ensure that your skills are relevant to your job responsibilities and workplace setting.

You must undergo a periodic recertification examination to continue working as a professional Crisis Intervention Counsellor. Up-to-date certification and mental health education courses will allow you to help patients with the most optimal crisis intervention technique. 

What is Crisis Intervention?

An acute mental health crisis may be brought on due to unforeseen circumstances or on account of a long-standing issue. Either way, those undergoing the crisis may need urgent, immediate and short-term intervention by specialised professionals to avert what can be even be or turn into a life-threatening situation. Crisis Intervention Counsellors provide immediate treatment strategies during situations of mental, physical, emotional, and behavioural trauma faced by individuals or groups. 

Therefore, a Crisis Intervention Counsellor quite literally intervenes during a crisis to help victims process the events and cope with the aftermath and their vulnerabilities. Once they regain their biopsychosocial equilibrium, they can hope to launch and benefit from the long-term process of healing, with the assistance of other mental healthcare professionals, such as therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists. Crisis intervention also aims at equpping the affected with the confidence and strategies to minimise any long-term impact of the trauma and prevent recurrence. 

Counsellor vs Therapist

Therapists and counsellors often treat clients with similar challenges. However, the area of concern for therapists is diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, while counsellors focus more on enabling patients to cope with life’s challenges. 

However, counsellors are typically focused on the future and tackle the short term through a defined number of sessions, while therapists factor in the past and offer long-term care on an ongoing basis. While therapists carry out more in-depth work, counsellors may support day-to-day issues, including relationship troubles, job moves, or adjustment after a move. Nevertheless, these domains are not rigid, and a therapist and counsellor’s roles may reverse or overlap. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Online vs In-Person Counselling 

Online therapy may prove mutually beneficial to both the client and the counsellor. The client may find that their fear and the perceived social stigma are minimised, especially as there is no visibility involved from having to drive or walk to the clinic. The counsellor may find it easier to help clients who feel more comfortable discussing problems and asking for help online than in an in-person consultation. Online counselling may facilitate more transparent and direct communication between a counsellor and client.  

The flexibility to reach out via phone or electronically makes it possible for remote connections. Online counselling also makes it easier for individuals with physical limitations and mobility issues to seek support. It encourages individuals unable to travel for various other reasons to reach out for help from the comfort of their homes. The counsellor and the client can schedule sessions according to mutual convenience.

Online sessions may be more affordable than traditional therapy. However, check with your insurance provider about coverage.

On the other hand, several experts believe it is not the best way to get to know your patient or build intimacy. Not being able to gauge quickly and respond to the non-verbal cues of your patient online may obstruct you from gaining holistic information about the patient to prepare a comprehensive treatment plan. 

Furthermore, online counselling may not always run as smoothly as an in-person setup. The client or the counsellor may experience connectivity issues or other disturbances, which can break the flow of thought and interfere with the session. Patients may also fear their private information being leaked or exposed online. Furthermore, complex mental health issues are typically better addressed through in-person counselling.

Since online counselling may occur across geographical boundaries, clients must verify their counsellor’s qualifications, experience, certification and license.

PTSD in Men & Women

While both men and women suffer trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tends to develop more often in women than men. Even if fewer women face traumatic events than men, statistics reveal that up to about 10% of women develop PTSD at some point in their life as compared to 4% of men. While researchers may not be able to precisely define the reason, it is conjectured that the higher percentage of women who develop PTSD may be due to the nature of the trauma they experienced as a child or adult, including sexual abuse. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Crisis Intervention Counsellors have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Crisis Intervention Counsellor has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

You could develop PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) even if somebody close to you encountered trauma. It is also common among first responders, such as police officers, paramedics and psychologists. 

As a Crisis Intervention Counsellor, you empathetically share the burden of crisis with your clients and may be the only person they feel safe talking to in their darkest moments. Not only do you help them unpack and process their trauma, but you also aid them in developing and using coping mechanisms and skills. Learning these stress reduction techniques empowers your clients to think positive now and in the future.

While being a Crisis Intervention Counsellor is extremely rewarding, it is also equally draining. Hence, professionals stress taking care of yourself first to better focus on your work and clients. Keep your caseload balanced to avoid burnout.