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Defining the Differences Between Crisis Intervention and Short-Term Therapy

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.28.7.527

Using the model of "person plus stress yields reaction," the authors discuss the differences between crisis intervention and short-term treatment, including psychiatric emergencies. In emergency treatment the central focus is on the reaction, or symptoms, while in crisis intervention the emphasis is on the stress and its quick resolution. In short-term treatment the focus is on the person and exploration of behavior patterns and feelings. The authors believe that the number of crisis cases handled by a therapist must be limited because of their exhausting nature.

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