INTRODUCTION TO CRISIS COUNSELING 1
Introduction to Crisis Counseling Assignment
Samantha Deenihan
School of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Liberty University
Crisis Definition
A crisis can be understood as a period of intense difficulty or instability in which an
individual's typical coping skills are being overwhelmed which are leaving them unable to
function effectively without support. Crises often arise suddenly, which then can create these
feelings of disorientation and demand immediate intervention to reduce harm and restore
stability. Jackson- Cherry and Erford (2024) explain the crisis can be categorized into four main
types: developmental, situational, existential, and ecosystemic.
Developmental crises occur as a normal part of growth and life transitions. Such as the
lessons, marriage, retirement, or aging. An example of this can be a young adult that is
INTRODUCTION TO CRISIS COUNSELING 2
struggling with identity formation during the transition to college may experience stress,
confusion, and temporary inability to cope. Situational crisis mainly stems from the unexpected
external events that disrupt an individual's life. An example of this could be a person who
suddenly loses their job without warning may experience financial strain, emotional distress and
may need support urgently.
Existential crises emerge when individuals are struggling with the meaning, purpose,
values in their lives that are giving them their sense of identity. An example could be someone
that's in their midlife that is questioning their life choices and searching for their deeper
purpose may experience anxiety, or hopelessness. The last type ecosystemic are caused by a
larger scale or environmental factors that impact communities and systems rather than
individuals. An example of this would be a natural disaster, such as a hurricane which impacts
safety, resources and functioning both as a community and individuals.
Crisis Work Resources
Developmental Crisis
Local resources
1. Empowering Minds Resource Center- https://www.emrcgroup.org/ Provides
psychiatric rehabilitation services for youth and adults navigating developmental
challenges.
2. Changing Turn Community Healthcare Services- http://www.changingturn.org/
Offers outpatient therapy, group counseling and skill building for life transitions.
3. Ashley Addiction Treatment- https://www.ashleytreatment.org/ Services for
young adults and adults to help manage changes alongside of substance abuse.
National resources
4. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMII) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI- Give
education and support for individuals and families that are dealing with mental
health issues that are tied to life transitions.
5. Boys Town National Hotline- 1-800-448-3000- supporting children, teen and parent
that are facing developmental struggles. Situational Crisis
Local resources
6. Harford Country Behavioral Health Department-
https://harfordmentalhealth.org/harford-county-behavioral-health-system/
outpatient counseling and support fir life disruptions that are sudden.
INTRODUCTION TO CRISIS COUNSELING 3
7. Family and Children’s Services of Central Maryland -
https://carf.org/provider/family-and-childrens-services-of-central-maryland-
incdba-springboard-community-services-274483/ Crisis intervention and
counseling for families and individual in acute situations.
8. Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services- https://www.upperbay.org/ care
and case management for those who are experiencing an unexpected crisis.
National resources
9. SAMHSA National Helpline- 1-800-622-HELP- 24/7 confidential treatment for
mental health and substance crisis.
10. Crisis Text Line- text HOME to 741741- Immediate text-based support for anyone
that is in a situational crisis. Existential Crisis
Local resources
11. OIC Counseling Services- https://www.oiccounselingservices.com/ Outpatient
services including therapy for individuals that are struggling with their life
direction and identity.
12. Inner County Outreach- https://innercountyoutreach.org/ therapy that is
focused on spiritual and personal growth with issues that are tired to existential
crisis.
13. Hopes Horizon- https://hopeshorizon.com/ counseling and other programs that
are integrating mental health focused care.
National resources
14. Existential Crisis Hotline- 1-800-488-7211- free support for individuals that are feeling
overwhelmed by their meaning and purpose and identity.
15. The Trevor Project- 1-866-488-7386- support for LGBTQ+ individuals that are
struggling with identity. Ecosystemic Crisis
Local resources
16. Harford County Department of Emergency Services- 410-638-4900- coordinates
disaster preparedness and emergency response
17. Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Companies-410-638-7171- on the ground
emergency response
18. Mason-Dixon Community Services- https://www.mason-dixon.org/ - Emergency
resources such as food, shelter, etc.
National resources
19. Disaster Distress Helpline- 1-800-985-5990- 24/7 crisis counseling for disasters
and large emergencies
20. American Red Cross Disaster Services- 1-800- RED-CROSS- national disaster
response including shelter, recovery support.
Treatment Plan
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Problem 1 (area): The client is experiencing heightened anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and fear
related to resent school lockdown, which intensified feelings of insecurity and difficulty
remaining in school without calling his parents for reassurance.
Goal 1: Within the next 2 weeks the client will practice at least one coping skill (deep
breathing, grounding, journaling) when feeling anxious at school. This s to reduce his calling to
parents during the school day from daily to no more than 2 times per week.
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References
Jackson-Cherry, L. R., & Erford, B. T. (2024). Crisis assessment, intervention, and prevention
(4th ed.). Pearson.
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