Urgent, crisis intervention and emergency services deal with a broad range of psychological and social problems. Problems can develop abruptly or slowly over time. People facing a crisis or an emergency, as well as the people who become involved, can experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms as well as changes in their routines and relationships. Some problems represent an emergency and require an immediate intervention and stabilization. Most problems are not emergencies. Most are urgent and require evaluation or attention within 3 days. A qualified emergency and crisis intervention professional can evaluate a crisis and can advise you regarding the necessary steps to take.

Emergency Problems (usually require immediate assistance)

• Dangerous, threatening, violent, self-harming, destructive or suicidal behavior.
• A significant risk of violence or risk of suicide.
• Abuse, especially child abuse or abuse of the elderly.
• Mental and emotional problems that have not been evaluated and may be caused by a medical problem.
• Strange, bizarre or unusual behaviors and symptoms that have not been evaluated or treated.
• Conditions in which taking or failing to take medications may be causing or may cause significant physical, mental or emotional harm.

Crisis Problems (usually require assistance within 24 hours)

• Emergency problems that have been evaluated by a qualified professional and based on that evaluation can wait until the next available appointment within a 24-hour timeframe.
• Potentially dangerous, threatening, violent, self-harming, destructive or suicidal behavior which has been evaluated by a qualified professional who feels the problem can wait until the next available appointment within a 24-hour timeframe.
• Abuse and especially domestic violence where there is no immediate risk of violence.

Urgent Problems (usually require assistance within 3 days)

• Symptoms of psychological and social problems that disrupt important activities.
• Behavior or a pattern of symptoms that may lead to crisis in the near future.
• Exposure to or involvement in a traumatic event or experience characterized by dangerous circumstances, a loss of life, a serious injury, a life threatening experience or physical assault.

Routine (usually require assistance within 1 week)

• Symptoms of psychological and social problems that disrupt activities.
• Behavior or a pattern of symptoms that may lead to additional problems, become more difficult to change, or become urgent problems in the future (but not immediate future).
• The current problem or issue is known or familiar and based on that knowledge that the observer or sufferer is comfortable and willing to wait for a convenient appointment.

Dated: December 30, 2007

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