crisis-intervention unit, a group trained in emergency medical treatment and in various methods for rendering psychiatric therapeutic assistance to a person or group of persons during a period of crisis, especially instances involving suicide attempts or drug abuse. Such networks are found within community hospitals, in health care centers, or as specialized self-contained units, such as suicide-prevention centers, and operate 24 hours a day. The primary objectives of such crisis assistance are to help the person cope with the immediate problem and to offer guidance and support for long-term therapy.
