No one likes to admit they need help, even when deep down they wonder, "Will I ever heal from this?" Often, the residual effects of a crisis situation surface randomly, without warning, or manifest themselves in subconscious ways. There are some days when the victim may feel ok, but the deep sadness, anger or anxiety resurfaces again. Studies indicate that 31% of rape victims develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

According to the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study, 15% of males and over 8% of females developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as well. A crisis intervention could provide the counseling, support and necessary coping skills one needs to move on after surviving a terrible ordeal.

There are many situations when a crisis intervention is recommended, such as surviving suicide, rape, abuse, surviving a kidnapping, runaways, military discharge, or following the death of a loved one. These intervention services are available not only for the victims but for the loved ones as well.

The support net is critical for a person's recovery, although many of us weren't born simply knowing the right things to say or do. An intervention program such as this is helpful in creating that strong foundation of family and friends that will ultimately provide the long-term therapy for the recovering victim.

Dr. David Springer PHD called runaways the "Huck Finn Crisis," meaning that it is often a reaction to problems, rather than a lust for thrill-seeking that drives adolescents to run away from home. It can be extremely painful for family members to have no idea where their child has gone, but it can also be difficult for the runaway teen to come to terms with the emotional problems that prompted the runaway.

In some cases, family therapy is needed if the child comes from a broken home. In other cases, drug treatment or a medical intervention may be necessary. Three phases of treatment for runaways are: crisis intervention, assessment and long-term care. The intervention is designed to provide travel assistance to runaways, information, family intervention, counseling sessions, shelter referrals and relays messages between parents and children.

It's natural to feel nervous and apprehensive about calling in outside help. Families may fear rejection or resentment of their role in calling crisis intervention services. However, momentary anger or rejection from the victim can help prevent life-long mental health problems and part of the crisis intervention will be aimed at helping victims to overcome the negative feelings by reaching for more positive, productive goals, which should heal their attitude.

Intervention services are structured as liaisons that will connect the victim to all available support services, whether a medical intervention or a psychological intervention is needed. There is also an emphasis on immediate stabilization, cost effectiveness and long-term support.