Emergency & Crisis Intervention Policy — Carl Argent Counselling and Coaching

1. Purpose & Scope

This policy defines the procedures for managing client crises and emergencies within my private practice. Its purpose is to:

• Clarify the limits of my service (i.e., I am not an emergency service).
• Establish a clear protocol for responding to high-risk situations (Suicide/Self-Harm).
• Ensure the safety of both the client and the therapist.

2. Service Limitations (The “Out of Hours” Rule)

My practice is a scheduled therapy service, not a crisis intervention service.

Availability: I am only available for contact during scheduled sessions or specific administrative hours. I do not monitor emails or messages 24/7.

Digital Boundaries: As per my Digital Communications Policy, clients are informed that WhatsApp/Email must not be used for time-sensitive crisis communication, as these channels are not monitored continuously.

3. Procedure: Crisis During a Session

If a client becomes severely distressed, dissociative, or suicidal during a session:

• Assessment: I will use direct questioning to assess immediate risk (e.g., “Do you have a plan to end your life today?”, “Do you have the means to do it?”).
• De-escalation: I will utilize grounding techniques and therapeutic interventions to help regulate the client’s distress.
• Extension: If necessary and if my schedule allows, I may extend the session briefly to ensure the client is safe to leave.
• The “Safe to Leave” Decision:

• If Safe: We will create a verbal or written “Safety Plan” for the time until the next session.
• If Unsafe: I will not let the client leave alone. I will encourage them to call a family member, friend, or emergency services from the therapy room.
• If Iminent Danger: If a client attempts to leave while stating an intent to immediately harm themselves or others, I will breach confidentiality and call 999 or the Police immediately.

4. Procedure: Crisis Between Sessions

If a client sends a message indicating a crisis outside of session hours:

• If I see the message: I will respond briefly (if appropriate) to direct them to emergency resources. I will not engage in therapeutic work via text/email.

• Standard Response: “I have received your message and can see you are in distress. I cannot provide crisis support via text. Please call 111 or the Samaritans immediately, and we will discuss this in our next session.”

• If I do not see the message: My voicemail and email auto-responder (if active) act as the safety net, providing emergency numbers.

5. Contacting Third Parties (GP & Next of Kin)

In cases of significant risk (e.g., high suicide risk or psychotic episode), I reserve the right to contact the client’s GP or listed Emergency Contact.

• Consent: I will always attempt to get the client’s consent first (“I am really worried about you; I think we need to call your GP together”).
• Without Consent: If the risk is serious and the client refuses consent, I will contact the GP/Emergency Services without their permission, as permitted under my GDPR/Privacy Policy (Vital Interests/Safeguarding).

6. Emergency Resource List (Southend & National)

I maintain an up-to-date list of resources to provide to clients:

Immediate Danger:

• Police / Ambulance: 999
• Nearest A&E: Southend University Hospital, Prittlewell Chase (01702 435555)

Mental Health Crisis Support:

• NHS 111: Dial 111 (Option 2 for Mental Health Crisis)
• Samaritans: 116 123 (Free, 24/7 listening)
• Shout: Text “SHOUT” to 85258 (24/7 text service)
• Southend Community Mental Health Team (EPUT): 01702 215008 (Office Hours)

7. Therapist Support (Post-Crisis)

Managing a client crisis is draining. Following any critical incident, I commit to:

• Documentation: Writing a detailed clinical note of the event, risk assessment, and actions taken (referencing the Record Keeping Policy).
• Supervision: Contacting my Clinical Supervisor to debrief the event, process the emotional impact, and review my decision-making.