The Power of Live Simulations in Learning How to Intervene in a Mental Health Crisis

This chapter describes how advanced clinical social work students learned to navigate and intervene in mental health crises using live simulations in a classroom setting. Students actively engaged in and observed in clients portrayed by actors four different realistic crisis situations: psychosis, threat to harm others, nonsuicidal self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Building on prior learning, students assessed clients’ levels of risk and considered clients’ unique histories and backgrounds in understanding symptom presentations. Using a trauma-informed approach, students also considered their legal responsibilities as they pertained to interventions and made recommendations for services. Students and teachers alike described the simulations as a powerful learning experience. Students became more deeply aware of the context of crisis and how to think and respond effectively on their feet.