Which term describes the short-term crisis framework that emphasizes immediate practical support and emotional reassurance?

• A. Crisis counseling
• B. Psychological first aid
• C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• D. Exposure therapy

Answer: (B)

Psychological first aid focuses on immediate, practical support and emotional reassurance in the aftermath of a crisis. It’s designed for the hours to days after a traumatic event, delivered by trained responders or community members, with goals like helping people feel safe, listen with empathy, meet essential needs, and connect to social supports and services. It’s non-intrusive and not a long-term psychotherapy; rather, it aims to reduce acute distress and stabilize individuals so they can cope and plan for the next steps. This makes it the best fit for describing a short-term crisis framework that emphasizes practical help and reassurance.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy involves structured techniques to change thoughts and behaviors over multiple sessions, which isn’t about immediate crisis response. Exposure therapy is a specific CBT technique used for anxiety that involves gradually revealing feared stimuli, not a general crisis framework. Crisis counseling is a broader term, but psychological first aid is the standardized framework specifically defined to provide immediate practical support and emotional reassurance after a crisis.