Name of the Procedure:

Crisis Intervention Mental Health Services, per hour (S9484)

• Common names: Crisis Intervention, Emergency Mental Health Counseling
• Medical terms: Psychiatric Crisis Intervention, Behavioral Health Crisis Services

Summary

Crisis intervention mental health services involve immediate, short-term counseling to help individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. This is usually provided by trained mental health professionals and aims to stabilize the individual and prevent the situation from worsening.

Purpose

Medical Conditions or Problems Addressed

• Acute anxiety or panic attacks
• Severe depression or suicidal thoughts
• Abrupt psychotic episodes
• Emotional trauma or post-traumatic stress
• Behavioural disturbances ##### Goals or Expected Outcomes
• Stabilization of the individual
• Reduction of immediate stressors
• Development of a short-term safety plan
• Referral to ongoing care and resources

Indications

• Severe emotional distress
• Suicidal or homicidal ideation
• Behavioral or emotional instability
• Recent traumatic events (e.g., loss of a loved one, violence) ##### Patient Criteria
• Individuals experiencing sudden and severe mental health symptoms
• Patients who are acutely distressed and at risk of self-harm or harming others

Preparation

Pre-procedure Instructions

• No specific medical preps like fasting are needed.
• Patients should try to come to the appointment as soon as the crisis begins. ##### Assessments Required
• Initial mental health assessment by a healthcare provider
• Screening for immediate physical health issues

Procedure Description

Step-by-Step Explanation

1. Initial Assessment: Conducted to understand the severity of the crisis and immediate needs.
2. Counseling Session: The mental health professional engages the patient in conversation to de-escalate the crisis.
3. Safety Planning: Development of a plan to ensure the patient's immediate safety.
4. Resource Referral: Connecting the patient to longer-term mental health services and support systems. ##### Tools and Equipment
   • No special equipment required; primarily conversational and assessment tools. ##### Anesthesia or Sedation
   • Not applicable; no anesthesia or sedation is used.

Duration

• Each session typically lasts one hour but can vary based on the individual's needs.

Setting

• Outpatient clinics, hospital emergency departments, community mental health centers, or even through telehealth services.

Personnel

• Licensed mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and mental health counselors.

Risks and Complications

Common Risks

• Emotional distress triggered during the session. ##### Rare Risks
• Escalation of the crisis situation. ##### Complication Management
• Immediate medical or psychiatric intervention as required.
• Close follow-up and coordination with other healthcare providers.

Benefits

• Rapid stabilization and emotional support.
• Prevention of harm and escalation of the crisis.
• Immediate coping strategies and a connection to follow-up care.

Recovery

Post-procedure Care and Instructions

• Follow-up appointments with mental health professionals.
• Adherence to prescribed safety plans and coping strategies. ##### Expected Recovery Time
• Varies; stabilization can be immediate, but ongoing support may be necessary. ##### Restrictions and Follow-up
• No physical restrictions typically, but continuous mental health monitoring and support might be necessary.

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options

• Inpatient psychiatric care for more severe cases
• Regular therapy sessions for ongoing mental health issues ##### Pros and Cons of Alternatives
• Inpatient Care: More intensive support but requires hospitalization.
• Regular Therapy: Provides ongoing support but may not be as immediately accessible during a crisis.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure

• Patients may feel emotional or distressed while discussing their issues but are provided with compassionate and understanding support. ##### After the Procedure
• Patients often feel more stabilized and supported.
• Pain management is not typically required, but emotional support and comfort measures are prioritized by the mental health professional.