Crisis situation
What is a psychological crisis and how does it develop?
A psychological or mental crisis occurs when you feel like you are losing control over your emotions, thoughts, or behavior. You may feel anxious, desperate, or confused. In some cases, suicidal thoughts can become overwhelming. A crisis can develop gradually due to prolonged stress or trauma, but it may also be triggered by a sudden life event, such as loss, relationship problems, or work-related pressure.
Signs of a mental crisis
A crisis situation can often be recognized by certain behaviors or emotions in yourself or in the person experiencing the crisis.
Experiencing extreme anxiety or panic
Having suicidal thoughts or urges to self-harm
Responding in a confused or irrational way
Experiencing hallucinations or delusions
Displaying aggressive behavior toward yourself and/or others
Crisis situations during treatment at rTMS International
rTMS International is an independent practice within specialized mental healthcare. We provide rTMS treatments that are reimbursed under basic health insurance. Clients are referred to us by their general practitioner, psychiatrist, or other lead practitioner specifically for this treatment. During your rTMS treatment, you remain under the overall clinical responsibility of your referring practitioner.
Our care is clearly defined: we are responsible for delivering the rTMS treatment, not for your full psychiatric treatment or crisis care. At our locations, you will meet nurses and psychologists. Our supervising psychiatrists are involved but work remotely and do not see clients physically on-site.
Our duty of care
We have a duty of care within the scope of the treatment we provide (rTMS). We are not a crisis facility and do not offer 24/7 availability or on-site psychiatric presence. For that reason, we cannot provide full crisis admission or formal crisis assessments, as may be available through a mental health institution or your GP.
What happens if a crisis occurs during a visit?
Our support in crisis situations is only available to clients who are currently receiving treatment with us. If there are signs of an (impending) crisis, such as severe emotional destabilization, suicidality, or acute psychological distress, we act carefully and according to established procedures.
Consultation
The practitioner on-site does not handle this alone. There is always consultation with colleagues, and if necessary, the supervising psychiatrist will be involved.
Risk assessment
We can assess and explore suicidality using professional methods such as the CASE approach. We do not conduct a formal crisis assessment as a referring practitioner would.
Involving emergency services
If there is acute danger to the client or others, we will immediately call emergency services (112) and involve the police if necessary. Safety always comes first.
The role of your referring practitioner during a crisis
Your referring practitioner (for example, your GP, psychiatrist, or licensed psychologist) remains responsible for your overall psychiatric care throughout the rTMS treatment, including crisis care. If an (impending) crisis arises, our practitioner will contact your referring practitioner and request that they involve the regional crisis service if necessary.
Why we do not directly contact the crisis service ourselves
Crisis services almost always require an assessment by an authorized referring practitioner. Because our psychiatrists work remotely and cannot conduct urgent in-person assessments, direct contact from us may lead to delays or refusal. Therefore, escalation takes place through your referring practitioner. In practice, this is the most effective and responsible approach.
Outside our opening hours:
- Contact the GP out-of-hours service
- In case of immediate danger: call 112 (Netherlands)
- Contact the regional mental health crisis service for urgent psychological support
What can you do as a loved one during a crisis?
A crisis can arise suddenly and unexpectedly, both for you and for those around you. It can feel overwhelming and frightening, as if there is no clear way forward. In such moments, professional help may be urgently needed.
Safety comes first
Ensure a safe environment. Remove dangerous objects and create a space where neither you nor the other person can be harmed.
Seek help
If the situation escalates, do not wait. Contact the crisis service, GP, or call 112 (NL number) immediately.
Stay calm
Staying calm is important. Try to remain as calm as possible. Panic or visible confusion can intensify the situation.
Offer support
Assess whether it is safe to start a conversation. Listen carefully and give the person space to express their feelings.
Ask open questions
If it feels safe enough to talk, ask open questions such as: “What do you need right now?” or “How can I help?”
Listen without judgment
Remain understanding. Avoid giving unsolicited advice and do not minimize their feelings.