Identification |
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9): Evidence-based screening tool for depression that can be modified for different populations. Question #9 specifically addresses suicide risk by asking about “thoughts that you would be better off or hurting yourself in some way” PHQ-9 Overview [8] |
Assessment |
Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS): Evidence-based tool that can be used to identify whether a patient has thought about suicide, taken action or plans to take action, or whether they have attempted suicide or plan to attempt suicide C-SSRS Resource [9] |
Ask Suicide Questions (ASQ): The ASQ is a brief questionnaire containing 4 items and can be utilized in all populations and practice settings (ED, inpatient medical, primary care settings) to identify youth at risk of suicide ASQ Toolkit [10] |
Intervention |
Safety Planning: Created in conjunction with patient and provider (and sometimes family members) to identify triggers and warning signs, specific activities that can steer the patient from suicidal thoughts, contacts to be used during times of distress (community, professional, and emergency), etc., in order to alleviate a suicidal crisis Suicide Safety Planning Guide [11] |
Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM): Anyone who is identified with any level of suicide risk, from mild to severe, should be asked about access to lethal means. CALM is a workshop that helps providers identify patients who would benefit from lethal means counseling strategies, ask about access to lethal mans, and work with patients and their family to reduce access CALM Resource [12] |