International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.

Advanced Assisting Individuals in Crisis AICP

Crisis Intervention is NOT Psychotherapy; rather, it is a specialized acute emergency mental health intervention which requires specialized training. This program is the second in a two course series entitled Assisting Individuals in Crisis Intervention. The program is designed to teach crisis interventions it applies to assisting individuals in crisis, one person at a time.  It does not teach group crisis intervention; although some of the skill sets contained herein are certainly applicable to group intervention. This program will teach advanced scenario-based crisis intervention techniques based upon an understanding of the basic crisis intervention concepts, principles, and tactics taught in the first assisting individuals in crisis program.

Course Highlights:

  • natures & definitions of a psychological crisis and psychological crisis intervention
  • nature and definition of critical incident stress management and its role as a continuum of care.
  • empathic communication techniques
  • practice of psychological triage
  • SAFER-Revised model of individual psychological crisis intervention in s suicide scenario
  • SAFER-Revised model of individual psychological crisis intervention in a “follow-up” or referral scenario
  • risks of iatrogenic “harm” associated with psychological crisis intervention and will further discuss how to reduce those risks
  • principles of self-care

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for participation in the Advanced Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

  • Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application).
    • Advanced Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support
  • ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for:
    • Assisting Individuals in Crisis
  • Have taught no less than three Individual  Crisis Intervention and Peer Support courses with good student evaluations.
  • A letter of recommendation from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.*
  • A letter of endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.** At least one of the letters of recommendation must attest to the instructor candidate’s teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.
  • A copy of a current CV or resume.
  • A brief statement outlining:
  1. Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
  2. Active membership on a crisis intervention team
  3. Your instructional experience.
  4. Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.