Which of the following best describes the core function of crisis intervention?

Crisis intervention primarily focuses on responding to individuals experiencing acute emotional or physical distress. This approach is designed to provide immediate support and assistance to those who are facing a crisis, helping them stabilize their emotions and navigate through overwhelming situations. By effectively assessing the needs of the individual in crisis, crisis intervention aims to ensure safety and reduce the impact of the immediate distress, allowing for a clearer path toward recovery or further treatment if needed.

This core function is distinct from other options that imply longer-term processes or educational initiatives. While establishing a therapeutic alliance with clients and providing long-term counseling can be important components of mental health care, they are not inherent to crisis intervention, which is more about immediate and direct response. Similarly, providing educational materials about substance use falls outside the scope of crisis intervention, which is focused on immediate emotional or physical support rather than information dissemination.