This article begins with a discussion of what is a crisis, types of crises, & contentions in the crisis literature. Next, the author discusses when to intervene, the practical management of a crisis, & practical points in intervention. The differences between a crisis & an emergency are outlined. The article concludes with a discussion of the place of crisis intervention in psychiatric services, who should manage crises, & gaps in service. Case histories are provided as illustration. (24 refs.)