Immediate crisis intervention at the site of the incident (only available again from 1 October 2021).

• Crisis intervention available in the Helderberg area, Somerset West, Strand, Gordons Bay and Stellenbosch.
• Also available after-hours if schedule permits.

Some EXAMPLES of behaviour showing a person is in need of crisis intervention:

• Suicide attempts, statements, plans and notes.
• Aggressive, irritable or irrational behaviour quickly becoming worse. Onlookers may describe the behaviour as weird and find it very upsetting.
• Anxiety spiraling out of control. For instance, getting rapidly worse or experiencing physical symptoms. Examples of these may include, rapid breathing, fast heart rate, difficulty breathing.
• Additionally the person may become more difficult to cope with.

Parents with adolescents in crisis

• Do you have a teenager in crisis, but you do not have the capacity to deal with him/ her?
• Do you have to attend to, and protect the other siblings?
• Are you concerned that you lose objectivity because of your personal involvement?
• Does your involvement just worsen the situation?
• Do you lack the necessary knowledge to deal with the situation effectively?

Crisis intervention Services (only available again from 1 October 2021).

• On-site assistance where possible. Otherwise telephonic assistance will be available.
• Assessment of the situation.
• On-site containment for all involved. In other words, ensuring physical and emotional safety as far as possible.
• Providing the teen and/or parents with coping behaviour. Alternatively or additionally, referral to immediate emergency medical care.
• Feedback to the doctor or specialist as soon as possible.

Advantages of crisis intervention

• You might avoid a trip after-hours to the emergency room. As well as the associated expenses.
• It relieves the pressure from you as parent. Most noteworthy, to be the only decision-maker on the desired course of action.
• You don't need to deal directly with the adolescent in crisis.
• It enables you as parent to focus on, support and comfort the siblings.
• You can tap into your own reserves to face the next challenge.
• You can tend to practical arrangements. For example, contacting family members, arranging medical aid, scheduling appointments with doctors etc.

Please download and complete this form on behalf of the person in crisis, if time and the situation permit.