In crisis intervention, what is the first step when a client is at imminent risk?

• A. Provide long-term therapy planning.
• B. Assess danger and take steps to ensure immediate safety.
• C. Assess for depression only.
• D. Refer to another service without assessment.

Answer: (B)

Immediate safety is the priority in crisis intervention. When a client is at imminent risk, the first step is to assess danger and take steps to ensure immediate safety. This means quickly determining if there is a plan, access to means, and intent, and then acting to remove or reduce those risks—staying with the client if possible, securing the environment, and contacting emergency services or support systems as needed. Only once safety is secured can you begin stabilization and plan for further help.

Long-term therapy planning isn’t the initial move during an immediate crisis because the urgent concern is preventing harm right now. Assessing for depression alone misses the broader, time-sensitive danger signs such as suicidality or risk to others. Referring elsewhere without addressing risk fails to intervene in the present danger and neglects the duty to protect.