Getting Started with De-escalation Techniques in the Health Care Setting
Asynchronous Learning Modules
ABOUT
This asynchronous learning module introduces essential crisis intervention skills to effectively manage and de-escalate challenging situations in a health center setting. Participants will explore key concepts, techniques, and strategies that help them to respond to crises with confidence and sensitivity.
Module 1: Understanding Crisis - Clinical Causes and Human Impact
Module 2: Your Role in Self-Awareness in Moments of High-Tension
Module 3: Identifying Verbal/Non-Verbal Warning Signs and Behavioral Activators
Subject Matter Expert Acknowledgements
Sharon Lipford, LCSW-C
Senior Behavioral Health Advisor, Renaye James Healthcare Advisors
Sharon Lipford has over 30 years of leadership in nonprofit, hospital, and government organizations. She brings extensive experience in strategic policy and operations in behavioral health, criminal justice, and hospital systems.
During her career, Sharon has worked with numerous stakeholders in planning, developing, and operating behavioral health crisis systems. She successfully led strategic partners to create and implement a multicounty, multihospital health initiative to address chronic health diseases. This initiative improved health outcomes and reduced unnecessary healthcare costs in the hospital systems.
Sharon holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) supervisor. She has the privilege of supporting a countywide crisis negotiation team as a mental health professional. Sharon serves on the board of directors of the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health System, New Day Wellness & Recovery Center (peer support), and the Harford County (Maryland) Public Library Foundation.
Victor Welzant, PsyD
Director, Education and Training, International Critical Incident Stress Foundation
Victor Welzant, PsyD, is the Director of Education and Training and a past member of the Board of Directors of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, based in Ellicott City, MD. Victor previously served as Director of Acute Trauma Services for the Sheppard Pratt Health System and as a consultant to the State of Maryland, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in the area of disaster behavioral health. Victor maintains a private consulting and clinical practice in Towson MD, where he specializes in the treatment of Trauma and Stress related conditions, organizational training, and program development. Victor is the Clinical Director for the Anne Arundel Fire Dept. Critical Incident Stress Management team in MD, as well as a supervisor for the Sheppard Pratt Health Care CISM team development. He is a consultant to the Harford County Maryland Sheriff’s Department’s Crisis Negotiation, and Peer Support teams and serves on the adjunct faculty of Towson University in Psychology, Nursing, and Homeland Security. Victor currently serves on the editorial board of the International Journal of Emergency Mental Health. Victor lectures and consults internationally on the topics Crisis Intervention, Critical Incident Stress Management, Suicide, Disaster Behavioral Health, and the impact and treatment of trauma.
This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,499,953 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.