This article argues that the terms “crisis” & “emergency” are not interchangeable, offers specific definitions of each, & discusses some of the implications of the definitions. Callahan proposes that the traditional definition of crisis be used, that is a crisis is an upset in an individual’s baseline level of functioning. An emergency is defined as a relatively unpredictable, acute situation that demands an immediate response, e.g. suicide, violence or acute psychosis emergencies. (25 refs.)