A comprehensive client management system for crisis intervention services

This paper presents and evaluates a comprehensive client management system for suicide and crisis intervention services. The management system consists of five service designations: self-injury, crisis, active support, general support, and single contact. These designations determine the extent and type of activity engaged in, as well as the scope of follow-up and monitoring. As intended, self-injury clients received more contacts, longer periods of involvement, and more time in direct service. There was little difference in the length of each contact and the ability to ascertain outcome. While the management system established valuable service guidelines and priorities, it did not resolve approaches to some of the idiosyncratic problems presented to suicide and crisis intervention services.