What population is the C-SSRS designed for?

The Columbia – Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is designed to assess suicide risk in individuals across a broad age range, making it suitable for all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults. This inclusion is crucial because it acknowledges that suicidal thoughts and behaviors can manifest in any age group, and early identification of risk factors is key to prevention.

Using the C-SSRS allows practitioners to obtain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's mental health state, regardless of their age or background. The tool’s versatility ensures that children, parents, educators, and mental health professionals can effectively apply it in various settings to evaluate risk and plan appropriate interventions. This approach emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues holistically across the lifespan rather than isolating specific age groups or diagnoses.