Managing crisis in persons with I/DD and co-occurring mental health needs

hur. Jan. 16, 2025 8:30am-10:30am

Pre-Crisis

Recognizing pre-crisis behaviors involves identifying early signs that may signal an impending crisis. By spotting specific indicators of a looming crisis, proactive and trauma-informed strategies can be employed to anticipate challenges while remaining sensitive to past traumas. Inclusive care planning is essential, ensuring that individual needs are considered and addressed. Empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring mental health conditions is a key focus, using tools that encourage active participation in their own care planning. Additionally, familiarity with a crisis planning worksheet helps to streamline the planning process.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

• Describe strategies to prevent crises and importance of early detection
• Demonstrate how to work with an individual to incorporate their input using 2 separate tools: “Tips to Manage Triggers” and “What to Do When I Don’t Feel Okay”
• Use the “Red Panic Button” phone app
• Complete an individualized crisis plan

CEU Pre-Crisis: APA, ASHA

Thur. Jan. 15, 2025 10:45am-12:45pm

During Crisis

In this module, we learn essential strategies for effectively and empathetically addressing crises as they occur. Key components include recognizing and documenting crises by accurately describing behavioral or mental health issues, as well as implementing timely de-escalation strategies involving the team and following pre-defined individual plans. We highlight the importance of trauma-informed crisis response, which takes past trauma into account when developing intervention strategies. Additionally, effective support for individuals in crisis involves active listening, non-judgmental empathy, fostering a sense of safety, and maintaining calm through appropriate speech, tone, and body language. Finally, we explore various crisis resources available in Florida, including telehealth services, the 988 Crisis Hotline, mobile response teams, and the Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ youth.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

• Describe what a behavioral/mental health crisis looks like
• Properly document a behavioral/mental health crisis
• Implement de-escalation strategies as needed
• Identify strategies for intervention during crisis that are trauma-informed and minimize harm
• Identify crisis-related resources in Florida

CEU During-Crisis: APA, ASHA

Thur. Jan. 16, 2025 2:00pm-4:00pm

Post-Crisis

In the post-crisis module, we explore Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) as a means to mitigate the risk of long-term psychological trauma through timely emotional support. The module highlights the significance of ongoing mental health care and collaboration among professionals for effective treatment planning. We learn about conducting inclusive debriefing processes to help mitigate trauma and incorporate insights into revising individual crisis plans. Additionally, the module focuses on facilitating recovery by encouraging healthy coping mechanisms and crisis prevention strategies, while also reinforcing positive adaptive behaviors to empower individuals against future crises. Creating a safe, judgment-free environment is underscored, allowing open communication and self-expression without fear of criticism. We also discuss the importance of learning from crises through debriefing to refine future responses, and the necessity of practicing self-care strategies to maintain personal well-being while supporting others in crisis.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

• Identify ways to manage a critical incident to minimize stress impact
• Use a debriefing process and tool to:
• Describe what happened as the crisis developed
• Discuss what happened during the crisis
• Describe what worked/did not work during a prior crisis
• Develop plans for future incidents
• Amend the personal crisis plan
• Craft a trauma-informed response plan to debrief and proactively manage future incidents

CEU Post-Crisis: APA, ASHA

Speakers