What does "active listening" entail in the context of C-SSRS assessments?

Active listening, especially in the context of C-SSRS assessments, is vital for establishing trust and gathering accurate information from the patient. It involves focusing entirely on what the patient is communicating, both verbally and through non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. This level of engagement helps the assessor understand the patient's feelings and thoughts more deeply, leading to a more accurate risk assessment.

By concentrating fully, the assessor can pick up on subtle signs of distress or underlying issues that might not be explicitly stated but are important for evaluating suicide risk. This attentive and empathetic approach fosters an open dialogue, encourages the patient to share more, and ultimately aids in the comprehensive evaluation necessary for effective intervention and support.