CBHT - Certified Behavioral Health Technician Crisis Intervention Techniques Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client in a residential facility suddenly becomes agitated, pacing and clenching their fists after a phone call. As a CBHT, what is your FIRST priority in this crisis situation?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the safety of the client, yourself, and others in the immediate vicinity.

Answer

Immediately restrain the client to prevent harm.

Answer

Explore the root cause of the client's agitation by asking detailed questions.

Answer

Document the incident in the client's record.

Question 2

Which of the following is a key principle of verbal de-escalation when interacting with an individual in crisis?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a non-judgmental and empathetic tone.

Answer

Raising your voice to establish authority and control.

Answer

Using complex vocabulary to demonstrate expertise.

Answer

Standing directly in front of the person to show you are not intimidated.

Question 3

A CBHT is working with a client who is experiencing a panic attack. The client is hyperventilating and reports feeling a loss of control. Which intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Guiding the client through slow, deep breathing exercises and grounding techniques.

Answer

Telling the client to 'just calm down and stop it'.

Answer

Asking the client to recount the details of a past trauma.

Answer

Leaving the client alone to 'ride it out'.

Question 4

What is the primary goal of crisis intervention from the perspective of a Certified Behavioral Health Technician?

Accepted Answer

To provide immediate, short-term help to restore a client to their pre-crisis level of functioning.

Answer

To resolve the client's long-term underlying psychological issues.

Answer

To diagnose the client with a specific mental health disorder.

Answer

To ensure the client adheres to their medication schedule.

Question 5

When setting limits with a client in crisis who is becoming verbally aggressive, which of the following statements is most effective?

Accepted Answer

"I can see you're very upset, but for us to work together, I need you to speak in a calm voice."

Answer

"If you don't stop yelling, you will be discharged immediately."

Answer

"You're acting inappropriately and need to stop."

Answer

"Why are you getting so angry about this?"

Question 6

A client tells a CBHT they are having thoughts of self-harm. After ensuring the client's immediate safety, what is a critical next step?

Accepted Answer

Follow the facility's specific protocols for suicide risk, which includes reporting to a licensed supervisor.

Answer

Promise the client you will keep their thoughts a secret.

Answer

Immediately contact the client's family without the client's knowledge.

Answer

Change the subject to something more positive to distract the client.