How To Become a Crisis Intervention Specialist

Crisis intervention specialists are mental health professionals who provide short-term services to clients in crisis. They may work for law enforcement, social services, hospitals, outpatient clinics, or nonprofits.

To become a crisis intervention specialist, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree and often a license. We've broken down what you need to know about how to become a crisis intervention specialist below.

Steps for Becoming a Crisis Intervention Specialist

Below, we've broken down the basic steps to become a crisis intervention specialist.

1. Find Out Which Major Is Best for You

There generally is no specific degree required to become a crisis intervention specialist. However, many crisis intervention specialists earn bachelor's degrees in fields like:

• human services
• mental health counseling
• psychology
• social sciences
• social work
• sociology

Psychology is the most common degree program for crisis intervention specialists, but all the majors listed above can help prepare students to work in crisis situations.

2. Find the Right School for Your Major

Many schools across the United States offer degrees in the majors listed above. Some top programs offering psychology degrees include:

• Carnegie Mellon University
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
• University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

A majority of psychology programs offer concentrations or specializations within the program, so students can choose an area of focus that most closely aligns with their career goals.

3. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

Once you've been accepted to the school of your choice, you'll need to complete a bachelor's program. This typically takes four years.

Depending on your education program, you may be required to complete clinical experiences in a mental health crisis setting. Things like research papers and projects may also be required.

4. Earn a Crisis Intervention Specialist License

Requirements for crisis intervention specialist licensure can vary by state, but typically you'll need to graduate from an approved degree program, complete a supervised clinical internship, and pass a licensure exam.

You may also want to pursue Crisis Intervention Counseling Certification from the American Institute of Healthcare Professionals (AIHCP). While this isn't a requirement, it can boost your chances in the job market.

5. Gain Experience Working with Law Enforcement

Crisis intervention specialists often work with law enforcement to provide crisis services and prevent situations from escalating. While this isn't the only setting they work in, it's a very common one.

Your department may have connections with local law enforcement, so speak with your counselor or program director to see what is available. You may be able to gain experience while still in school.

6. Consider an Advanced Degree

To work as a clinical specialist in a one-on-one setting, you'll typically need to hold a master's degree. This can vary by employer and state, however.

Master's degree programs usually take about two years to complete, though accelerated and part-time programs are often available. Look for programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

What Is a Crisis Intervention Specialist?

A crisis intervention specialist is someone who intervenes when someone is having a mental health crisis. This means the patient has hit their breaking point, which may be due to mental illness, substance abuse, or a traumatic event.

Crisis intervention specialists may work in an office setting, but they may also be required to travel to wherever their patient is. This may include the scene of an accident, a hospital, or a residence.

Responsibilities of a Crisis Intervention Specialist

The responsibilities of a crisis intervention specialist can vary depending on their place of work. Some general responsibilities often include:

• counseling patients going through crisis
• assessing and documenting client behavior
• answering crisis hotlines
• planning treatment
• assisting with crisis management at sites of trauma, like locations of mass shootings or natural disasters

Skills Required of a Crisis Intervention Specialist

Crisis intervention specialists need to possess a variety of skills in order to properly care for their patients. These include:

• communication and interpersonal skills
• compassion and empathy
• listening skills
• problem-solving skills

Above all, crisis intervention specialists need to be able to listen to their clients, empathize with them, and properly guide them in the right direction.

Benefits of Being a Crisis Intervention Specialist

The biggest benefit of being a crisis intervention specialist is that you help people and can make a difference in people's lives. You're their rock in a time of crisis.

No matter what setting you work in, crisis management is all about helping people and preventing a situation from spiraling. This can be challenging, but very rewarding.

FAQs About Crisis Intervention Specialists

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about crisis intervention specialists.

What Is the Difference Between a Crisis Intervention Specialist and a Crisis Intervention Counselor?

The difference between a crisis intervention specialist and a crisis intervention counselor depends heavily on where you work. In some settings, they may be interchangeable.

In other settings, there is a distinction. A specialist would be someone who appears on site when a crisis occurs, while a counselor would be someone who provides clinical mental health care.

How Do You Maintain a Crisis Intervention Specialist License?

The requirements to maintain a crisis intervention specialist credential vary by state. Likely, you'll need to complete some amount of continuing education, which may include crisis intervention courses, conferences, and lectures.

Some states may require periodic recertification testing to prove competency. Reach out to your state government to find out more.

What Other Career Paths Are Available for Crisis Intervention Specialists?

Someone who studied to be a crisis intervention specialist can pursue careers in related fields, such as:

• counseling
• criminal justice
• social services
• social work