Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop criteria for appropriate and inappropriate referrals by telephone counselors to a crisis clinic. Interviews were conducted with staff members and volunteers of the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service to explore possible criteria for making a referral. Nine criteria for inappropriate referrals and eight criteria for appropriate referrals were established. Data were then collected from a larger sample of staff members and volunteers (N=56) in the form of a ranked-order questionnaire, and differences between the staff and volunteers were examined. Rankings were significantly different for only 2 of the 17 categories suggesting that there is general agreement between staff and volunteers on the criteria for appropriate and inappropriate referrals for counseling. Policy implications of the accepted criteria are discussed.
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The authors wish to express their appreciation to the staff and volunteers of the Erie County Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service, especially David Speer, Research Director, and Charles Haywood, Executive Director. This study was partially funded by NIMH Grant No. ROIMH 22644 MHSS.
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Walfish, S., Tulkin, S.R., Tapp, J.T. et al. Criteria for appropriate and inappropriate referrals to a Crisis clinic. Community Ment Health J 12, 89–94 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01435742
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01435742