What are the three stages of crisis intervention?

• A. Assessment, Implementation, Termination
• B. Assessment, Evaluation, Termination
• C. Assessment, Planning, Follow-up
• D. Assessment, Implementation, Evaluation

Answer: (A)

In crisis intervention, the aim is rapid stabilization and safety, followed by moving the person toward ongoing support. The three stages most often described are assessment, implementation, and termination.

During assessment, you gather essential information quickly: the level of risk to self or others, current emotions and behavior, immediate needs, and available supports. The goal is to understand the situation, establish safety, and set a realistic plan for the crisis session.

During implementation, you apply direct intervention to stabilize. This includes using empathetic listening, de-escalation, grounding techniques, and safety planning. You mobilize resources, connect the person with what they need right now, and help them regain control and cope with the immediate crisis.

During termination, you conclude the crisis-focused work and ensure a plan for aftercare. This involves confirming safety, arranging follow-up or longer-term supports, and providing clear steps or referrals for what to do if the crisis recurs. Documentation and a transition plan to ongoing services complete this stage.

Other models may swap in planning or evaluation, but the sequence of assessment, immediate intervention (implementation), and orderly termination with follow-up best captures the typical three-stage approach to brief crisis intervention.