Engaging in effective crisis intervention in a mental health context

Abstract

Mental health crises are prevalent throughout the Western context (Kane et al., 2017; Rogers et al., 2019; Yeager & Roberts, 2015). This prevalence is influenced by the inadequacy of mental health resources, those experiencing mental health crises left with little to no options in recovery (Iacobucci, 2014; Kane et al., 2017; Kerr et al., 2010; Marcus & Stergiopoulos, 2022). Thus, the law enforcement system has assumed the responsibility of crisis intervention, influencing increasing rates of arrest, incarceration, injury, and fatalities throughout intervention (De Shalit et al., 2022; Iacobucci, 2014; Kerr et al., 2010; Parent, 2011; Marcus & Stergiopoulos, 2022; Rogers et al., 2019). My advanced practicum was thus focused on identifying and engaging with current approaches to mental health crises from social work, law enforcement, and collaborative perspectives as observed at the Canadian Mental Health Association. Through my advanced practicum, I attempted to identify challenges to these perspectives specific to crisis intervention stratagem and worked to increase efficacy in exploring positive change. This practicum also created space for the exploration of the chosen service user population, identifying the importance and efficacy of crisis intervention among said population. This report was guided by my ongoing reflection practices, working to identify and analyze both my practical role and effective intervention strategies. This report was also guided by my chosen theoretical basis, Strengths-Based Social Work, Crisis Theory/The Crisis Intervention Model, and Critical Theory influencing my participation and analyzation of effective crisis intervention.