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Screening

In people with an unknown risk for suicide, screening can identify who requires further assessment. Screening can be universal – meaning everyone who comes into a service, such as the emergency department, is screened. Alternatively, screening can be targeted toward people thought to be at higher risk for suicide, such as people with higher levels of depression. If a person screens positive for suicide risk, they should go on to have a risk assessment.

• The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale >>
  This screening tool is frequently used to screen people for suicide risk.

• PHQ-9 Depression Assessment >> 
  In primary care, item 9 of the can also be considered a screening tool.

• Suicide Prevention Resource Center >>
  Learn more about the differences between suicide screening and assessment

Risk Assessment

Once a person is determined to have an elevated level of suicide risk (i.e., they may report thoughts about suicide), a clinician should conduct a risk assessment. This will typically include a suicide inquiry (i.e., assessment of suicide thoughts and behaviors), as well as questions about risk factors and protective factors for suicide. The clinician uses this information to determine the level of risk and create a treatment plan with the patient. The SAFE-T provides a framework for risk assessment.
Download The SAFE-T Risk Assessment Guide >> 

Disposition and Treatment

Treatment can range from outpatient mental health care to inpatient treatment. The Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) is a brief, 25-minute intervention that can be used with patients who are at risk for suicide. In SPI, the clinician and patient work together to create and document a behavioral plan that the patient can use in the future when they are experiencing warning signs for elevated suicide risk.
Learn more about the Safety Planning Intervention >>