What should be assessed if a client expresses active thoughts of suicide?

When a client expresses active thoughts of suicide, it is crucial to assess associated thoughts of methods, intent, and planning. This assessment goes beyond just understanding the feelings of the individual; it aims to evaluate the specifics of their suicidal ideation.

Understanding the methods that a client is contemplating gives clinicians insight into the seriousness of the situation. If a client has specific methods in mind, it indicates a higher level of risk compared to vague expressions of wanting to end their life. Assessing intent is also essential—this determines whether the client is seriously considering acting on their thoughts or if they may be expressing something more transient or less dangerous. Finally, planning reveals how concrete their intentions are; an individual with a detailed plan is at a higher risk of attempting suicide than one without.

While exploring feelings, past mental health experiences, or the support network are important components of a comprehensive assessment, they do not directly address the immediate and critical aspects of suicidal ideation necessary for determining risk level and the need for intervention. Thus, assessing methods, intent, and planning is vital for understanding the immediacy and potential for harm, enabling appropriate responses and interventions to ensure the client's safety.