CCIS Suicide Risk Assessment & Prevention Flashcards

The 'no means, no method' approach to lethal means restriction focuses on:

Answer: Physically removing or securing access to lethal items

This practical approach reduces immediate suicide risk by working with the client's support system to secure, remove, or lock up firearms, medications, and other lethal means.

A history of a previous suicide attempt is considered:

Answer: One of the strongest predictors of future attempt

A prior suicide attempt is one of the most significant risk factors for future attempts and completed suicide, and must always be thoroughly assessed.

When conducting a suicide risk assessment via phone, the crisis specialist should:

Answer: Obtain the caller's location early in the conversation

Obtaining the caller's location early enables emergency dispatch if the caller becomes unresponsive or if imminent risk is established during the call.

In the context of suicide assessment, 'means restriction' is most effective when:

Answer: The at-risk person's household members are engaged to secure lethal items

Involving family members or household contacts to secure or remove lethal means — especially firearms and medications — is one of the most effective environmental suicide prevention strategies.

Which element is NOT typically included in a suicide safety plan?

Answer: The client's insurance billing information

A safety plan typically includes warning signs, internal coping strategies, social contacts, professional resources, and means restriction steps — billing information is not a clinical component.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US provides:

Answer: 24/7 phone, text, and chat crisis support

988 is the US national crisis line providing around-the-clock phone, text, and chat support for individuals experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health emergencies.