Registered Psychotherapist, Joshua Dvorkin, MPsy, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying),
When working with someone experiencing suicidal ideation, thoughts, or intention, mental health professionals follow specific protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual. Here are some common steps they might take:
1. Establishing a Safe Environment: The mental health professional ensures that the person is in a safe physical environment, free from any immediate harm or access to means of self-harm. If necessary, they may collaborate with emergency services to ensure the individual's safety.
2. Active Listening and Emotional Support: The mental health professional provides a non-judgmental and empathetic space for the person to express their feelings and thoughts. Active listening and emotional support are crucial in helping the individual feel heard, understood, and validated.
3. Assessing the Risk: The mental health professional conducts a thorough assessment to determine the severity of the person's suicidal thoughts, intentions, and risk factors. This assessment may involve exploring the frequency, intensity, and duration of the thoughts, as well as any previous suicide attempts, access to means, and the presence of supportive relationships.
4. Developing a Safety Plan: Collaboratively, the mental health professional and the individual create a safety plan that outlines specific strategies and resources to help manage the crisis. This plan may include identifying trusted individuals to reach out to, developing coping skills and distraction techniques, and establishing steps to remove immediate access to self-harm methods.
5. Referring to Emergency Services: If the risk is immediate or imminent, mental health professionals are mandated to involve emergency services to ensure the individual's safety. This may involve contacting crisis hotlines, local mental health crisis teams, or even admitting the person to a psychiatric facility, depending on the severity of the situation.
6. Treatment and Therapy: Mental health professionals provide ongoing therapy and treatment tailored to the individual's needs. They may utilize evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address the underlying issues contributing to suicidal ideation and promote mental well-being.
7. Collaborative Care: Mental health professionals often work collaboratively with other healthcare providers, such as psychiatrists or primary care physicians, to ensure comprehensive care. This may involve medication management, consultation, or coordination of care to address any underlying mental health conditions contributing to the person's distress.
8. Follow-up and Support: Mental health professionals prioritize ongoing support and follow-up after the immediate crisis has passed. They monitor the person's progress, adjust treatment plans as needed, and provide continued emotional support to prevent relapses and ensure the individual's well-being.
17 Years Experience
