When should a formal assessment of suicide risk be conducted?

A formal assessment of suicide risk should be conducted at intake or the first session because this is a critical point in establishing a therapeutic relationship and understanding the client’s immediate safety needs. Gathering comprehensive information about the client's history, current functioning, and any previous thoughts or behaviors related to self-harm is essential at this stage. This assessment provides the clinician with vital insights that can inform treatment planning and ensure that appropriate safety measures are instilled from the beginning of the therapeutic process.

This initial assessment also allows for the exploration of any potential protective factors the client may have, as well as risk factors, which guide ongoing risk management strategies. Conducting the assessment at the outset ensures that any necessary interventions can be initiated promptly and that the client's safety is prioritized from the start of their treatment.

While follow-up sessions, client requests, or observations of extreme behavior can indicate the need for further evaluation, they are not the most responsible times to conduct a formal suicide risk assessment. Instead, initial evaluations set the groundwork for an effective and responsive therapeutic relationship.