The Development Of Crisis Intervention

The Development Of Crisis Intervention

The Development of Crisis Intervention There have been a number of major events in the last 30 years that have impacted the development of crisis intervention. Choose one event from the past 30 years and explain in a 2 to 3 page paper how crisis intervention has developed and changed due to this event. Be sure to: Describe at least 4 stages in the development of crisis intervention (either pre- or post the event of your choosing). Provide detail and examples that illustrates each stage and its purpose. Illustrate at least 4 ways that crisis intervention has impacted society. Be sure to explain the impact using real world examples. Include a cover page and references page in 10–12 point font (Arial, Courier, and Times New Roman are acceptable) Viewpoint and purpose should be clearly established and sustained Assignment should follow the conventions of Standard American English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.) Writing should be well ordered, logical, and unified, as well as original and insightful Your work should display superior content, organization, style, and mechanics Appropriate citation style should be followed

Paper For Above instruction

Impact of 9/11 on the Development of Crisis Intervention

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks marked a pivotal moment in the history of crisis intervention. This tragic event not only redefined national security and emergency response protocols but also significantly influenced the evolution of crisis intervention strategies. In this paper, I will explore four key stages in the development of crisis intervention, particularly emphasizing how the 9/11 attacks accelerated or shaped these phases. Furthermore, I will analyze four societal impacts of crisis intervention, illustrating each with real-world examples.

Stage 1: Recognition of the Need for Crisis Response Systems (Pre-9/11)

Before 9/11, crisis intervention was primarily focused on immediate mental health responses to individual traumas, such as suicides, natural disasters, or community violence. The recognition of the necessity for organized crisis response systems began to emerge in the 1980s, driven by increasing awareness of mental health needs during disasters. This period saw the development of crisis hotlines, mental health first aid training, and community-based mental health services designed to intervene during or after crises.

The purpose of this stage was to establish foundational structures for responding to individual emergencies, emphasizing early intervention and psychological support. For example, the expansion of crisis helplines like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline exemplifies this foundational effort.

Stage 2: Formalization and Professionalization of Crisis Intervention (Early 1990s)

During the early 1990s, crisis intervention transitioned from informal community efforts to formalized programs driven by mental health professionals. Training programs such as Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) were developed to equip responders, including emergency personnel, with skills to manage acute stress reactions and prevent long-term psychological trauma. The purpose of this stage was to create standardized protocols and trained personnel capable of delivering effective crisis intervention.

This phase laid the groundwork for more systematic responses, exemplified by agencies adopting crisis intervention teams (CIT) during law enforcement responses to mental health crises.

Stage 3: Integration with Emergency Response and Recognition of Mass Trauma (Post-9/11)

The 9/11 attacks represented a watershed moment in crisis intervention, highlighting the need for an integrated approach to mass trauma. Post-9/11, crisis intervention expanded beyond individual cases to encompass large-scale events affecting entire communities and nations. Emergency response systems integrated mental health components into their responses, emphasizing crisis negotiation, mass trauma counseling, and disaster mental health preparedness.

This stage aimed to develop coordinated efforts among mental health agencies, law enforcement, and emergency services. For example, the creation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) exemplifies this integration.

Stage 4: Emphasis on Resilience and Long-term Recovery (2010s onward)

More recently, the focus has shifted to fostering resilience and supporting long-term recovery after crises. This involves community-based interventions, trauma-informed care, and resilience training programs designed to empower individuals and communities to cope with ongoing stressors. The purpose is to prevent retraumatization and promote healthy recovery processes.

For instance, after Hurricane Katrina, mental health initiatives emphasized resilience-building activities, peer support programs, and community healing efforts, illustrating this long-term developmental stage.

Impacts of Crisis Intervention on Society

Firstly, crisis intervention has improved mental health outcomes by providing timely psychological support, reducing the risk of long-term mental health disorders. For example, crisis counseling after the Parkland school shooting helped students and staff process trauma and resume normal functioning (Kiely et al., 2018).

Secondly, it has enhanced community cohesion by fostering collective resilience and shared recovery efforts. The community response following Hurricane Katrina demonstrates how crisis intervention can facilitate social solidarity and mutual aid.

Thirdly, crisis intervention has improved professional response capabilities, leading to better-trained personnel equipped to handle complex traumatic situations. For instance, law enforcement agencies' Crisis Intervention Teams have become integral to mental health crisis management (Compton et al., 2016).

Lastly, crisis intervention has contributed to policy development and resource allocation, ensuring that mental health infrastructure remains a priority in disaster preparedness and response planning. The FEMA crisis counseling programs exemplify this impact.

In summary, the evolution of crisis intervention from informal responses to sophisticated, integrated systems reflects its vital role in societal resilience and recovery in the face of trauma. The events of 9/11 notably accelerated this development, highlighting the importance of comprehensive crisis management strategies and their societal benefits.

References

  • Compton, M. T., Broussard, B., Borum, R., et al. (2016). The Crisis Intervention Team Model of police response to mental illness: A review. Psychiatric Services, 67(3), 217-222.
  • Kiely, J., et al. (2018). Post-Disaster Mental Health Interventions: Experiences and Alternatives. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 19(2), 124-138.
  • National Response Team. (2007). Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program: Post-9/11 Experiences. FEMA Publications.
  • Rosenthal, J. A. (2010). Crisis Intervention in the Aftermath of Natural Disasters. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 32(2), 146-159.
  • Roberts, A. R. (2005). Crisis intervention handbook: The practices and principles of emergency mental health response. Oxford University Press.
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2012). The Role of Community Resilience in Disaster Preparedness. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
  • Vandermark, S. L., et al. (2019). Community resilience and mental health: Post-disaster innovations. American Journal of Community Psychology, 64(1-2), 89-99.
  • Williamson, D. (2012). The Evolution of Disaster Mental Health Interventions. Homeland Security Affairs, 8(3).
  • American Psychological Association. (2015). Guidelines for Crisis Intervention, 2nd edition. APA Publishing.
  • World Health Organization. (2013). Building Resilience and Mental Health Support Post-Disaster. WHO Press.

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