Do we have a right to intervene?  If the situation really is a crisis (has high now potential and low self-resolution factor), we not only have a right to intervene but we also have a responsibility to intervene.  This responsibility is based on our mutual responsibility and a very human interest in one another.  A value framework underlying human services and crisis intervention specifically directs us to do what is reasonable and necessary for the well-being and welfare of people receiving our help.  The parallel with the Good Samaritan is clear.

Will the individual in crisis get angry with us, accuse us of meddling, tell us to leave him alone?  Perhaps.  Will our efforts be appreciated?  Will people see that we are making a sincere effort to help them?  Perhaps not.  The question for us is, When the ‘now potential’ is high and the self-resolution factor is low, do we, at a feeling/valuing level, have any real choice other than to do what we can to help?  Of course, if someone might die or if something else terrible might happen, we will try to help.  If the individual or someone close to him has asked, we will help.  At other times, our intervention will be required by virtue of our job or position.  Will you take a chance?  There are personal, emotional, and interpersonal risks, and our willingness to take such risks is an important part of what we bring to crisis intervention.  Professional counselors and psychotherapists know about the balancing act between over involvement and under-involvement.  As a volunteer, student, or other newcomer to crisis intervention, you will need to develop a feel for and an understanding of the risks for yourself.  Not to take the risk though, many times means pulling back from the opportunity to help.  Whatever the situation or circumstance, when a real crisis exists we will intervene, knowing that it is usually better to do too much than too little.

Our intervention should be directed by three specific considerations.  First, is our intervention reasonable?  Based on our knowledge and understanding of crisis intervention and people in crisis, does the present situation really have a high now potential and a low self-resolution factor?  A different kind of crisis may illustrate the point. …

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