SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES

This page offers a structured guide for providers responding to suicidal thoughts or behaviors in patients. It includes a checklist for clinical response, essential referral resources, and a downloadable template for safety planning.

1. Complete an Initial Clinical Assessment

We recommend using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

Developed by: Columbia University, with support from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

• Evidence-based and widely validated across clinical, emergency, and research settings

• Endorsed by SAMHSA, the CDC, the Joint Commission, and the U.S. Army

• Differentiates between suicidal ideation, intent, plans, and actual behavior

• Helps determine level of risk (low, moderate, high)

• Adaptable for self-report and clinician-administered use

• Available for all age groups

Versions Commonly Used:

C-SSRS Screener Recent Self-Report – 6-item short form used in most outpatient settings

C-SSRS Full Scale Lifetime/Recent – Used for detailed evaluation and documentation

SAFE-T with Lifetime/Recent – Often used in emergency or inpatient settings to determine disposition and safety planning needs

If you are not familiar with using the C-SSRS, Access recommended C-SSRS Trainings HERE

2. Initiate Immediate Safety Interventions

• Remove or reduce access to means (e.g., secure firearms, limit access to medications)

• Engage support system: family, friends, crisis team

• Supervise patient if high risk and ensure safe environment

• Determine need for EMS transfer, emergency room evaluation, hospitalization or intensive outpatient referral

3. Collaboratively Create a Safety Plan

We recommend completing a Stanley-Brown Safety Plan, it includes:

• Recognizing Warning signs

• Learning Internal coping strategies

• Identifying Social contacts and settings that can provide distraction

• Making a list of People to ask for help or Professional agencies to contact

• Creating steps to make a safe environment

Template commonly used:

the Stanley-Brown Safety Plan

If you are unfamiliar with creating a safety plan with a patient, access recommended suicide prevention training HERE

4. Provide Referrals and Follow-Up

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 — 24/7 national support

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

• Local emergency rooms or psychiatric crisis services

• Local Therapist or psychiatrist referral for ongoing care