What should be done following the identification of high-risk individuals using C-SSRS?

Following the identification of high-risk individuals using the Columbia – Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), it is crucial to provide immediate intervention and safety planning. This approach is essential because high-risk individuals require urgent care to ensure their safety, as they may be in a crisis that can escalate without appropriate support.

Immediate intervention involves assessing the individual's mental state, understanding their specific risks, and creating a safety plan that may include coping strategies, crisis contacts, and environmental changes to reduce access to means of self-harm. Safety planning is a proactive measure aimed at equipping the individual with tools and resources to navigate their current emotional distress and mitigate the immediate risk of suicide.

While referring to a support group, monitoring without action, or prescribing medication may be important components of a comprehensive treatment approach, they do not sufficiently address the urgent needs of high-risk individuals. Immediate intervention and establishing a safety plan are the first steps in reducing the risk and ensuring that individuals have the necessary support to manage their circumstances effectively.