Crisis Intervention Differs From Therapy

As a crisis response counselor, I was pleased to see the article “Post-Crisis Therapy: Is It for Everyone?� (Aug. 23). However, as it did not differentiate between crisis intervention and post-crisis therapy, it might be helpful to explain crisis intervention.

The goal of crisis intervention is to assist victims in the immediate moments after the incident to mobilize their own strengths, resources and support systems in order for them to get through the crisis. In some cases, individuals do not have a personal support system and are unaware of community resources available to them. They are given assistance and directed to appropriate agencies. Typically we see the victims once, and the call lasts between one and three hours.

Our team works with the Beverly Hills and West Hollywood fire and police departments and with UCLA. Emergency rooms are also organizing to work with centers such as this to provide trained crisis counselors. The letters and calls of appreciation we receive are gratifying.

--BONNIE CACAVAS

The Maple Counseling Center

Beverly Hills