What does PFR mean in PSYCHIATRY

Psychiatric First Responders receive specialized training and skills to assess and manage mental health issues. This includes crisis intervention strategies, conflict resolution techniques, suicide prevention protocols, how to communicate effectively with individuals in distress and how to recognize signs of distress in someone who is not able to communicate verbally.

In most cases, PFRs are deployed through a mobile response team that operates in the community. Additionally, some police departments have embedded one or more PFRs within their department so that officers can call for help when faced with mental health crises on the streets.

PFRs typically respond to situations involving suicidal behavior, extreme agitation and aggression, substance abuse or other psychiatric emergencies.

PFRs use a variety of techniques depending on the situation. These may include talking through what is happening with the individual; providing emotional support; offering resources such as phone numbers for counseling; connecting them with support systems such as family members or friends; helping them access appropriate medical treatment; de-escalating anger outbursts; providing referrals for follow-up care; assessing suicide risk; apprehending individuals under Section 12 orders if necessary; and conducting safety plan reviews when appropriate.

To become a certified Psychiatric First Responder (PFR), individuals must complete basic crisis intervention training (BCIT) courses as well as additional courses such as nonviolent crisis intervention certification (NCIC) or first aid/CPR classes depending on where they live and their specific field of practice.