The counselor's first step when a client discloses suicidal thoughts is to ______________

The counselor's first step when a client discloses suicidal thoughts is to ______________

• A. Explore reasons for living
• B. Immediately hospitalize
• C. Assess degree of risk
• D. Ask about past attempts

Answer: (C)

When someone discloses suicidal thoughts, the immediate priority is to determine how dangerous the situation is by assessing the degree of risk. This means exploring whether there is intent to act, whether a concrete plan exists, what means are available, and the timing of any intended action. It also includes considering protective factors and the person’s supports. This risk assessment guides the next steps: high risk with a specific plan and access to means often requires urgent crisis intervention or hospitalization, while lower risk may lead to safety planning and closer follow-up. While discussing reasons for living or past attempts can provide valuable context, they don’t determine safety as quickly as evaluating risk does. Hospitalization isn’t automatic; it depends on the level of danger identified through the risk assessment.

When someone discloses suicidal thoughts, the immediate priority is to determine how dangerous the situation is by assessing the degree of risk. This means exploring whether there is intent to act, whether a concrete plan exists, what means are available, and the timing of any intended action. It also includes considering protective factors and the person’s supports. This risk assessment guides the next steps: high risk with a specific plan and access to means often requires urgent crisis intervention or hospitalization, while lower risk may lead to safety planning and closer follow-up. While discussing reasons for living or past attempts can provide valuable context, they don’t determine safety as quickly as evaluating risk does. Hospitalization isn’t automatic; it depends on the level of danger identified through the risk assessment.