Estimating the risk of suicide
Health professionals are in a key position for estimating risk and identifying people at risk of suicide. Not all health professionals treat suicidal clients on a regular basis and therefore it can be challenging when a client presents with suicide risk. This information should not replace specialised training, but may be a helpful guide. The...
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Completing a risk assessment
When dealing with a suicidal client, it is important to complete a risk assessment to determine the level of suicidal intent, plans and availability of means. There are no definite criteria to help a clinician choose between inpatient and outpatient care of a suicidal patient, however, a patient with a plan, access to lethal means...
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Accessing support for clients at risk
Once the assessment is complete and you have sufficient input from the client on what they think will be helpful to them, you can then determine the next steps in accessing support for the client. Some reflective questions to consider for next steps: What can I do to increase this person’s safety? Does this patient...
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