APA Dictionary of Psychology

the brief ameliorative, rather than specifically curative, use of psychotherapy or counseling to aid individuals, families, and groups who have undergone a highly disruptive experience, such as an unexpected bereavement or a disaster. Crisis intervention may prevent more serious consequences of the experience, such as posttraumatic stress disorder. See also emergency intervention.
psychological intervention provided on a short-term, emergency basis for individuals experiencing mental health crises, such as an acute psychotic episode or attempted suicide.

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