CIC CIC Suicide Risk Assessment & Prevention

Question 1

The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is primarily used to:

Accepted Answer

Measure the severity and intensity of suicidal ideation and behavior

Answer

The C-SSRS is a validated, standardized tool that categorizes and quantifies suicidal ideation and behavior on a spectrum from passive ideation to completed attempt.

Question 2

When assessing the lethality of a client's suicidal plan, the counselor should evaluate:

Accepted Answer

The method's potential to cause death, access to means, and specificity of the plan

Answer

Lethality assessment focuses on the deadliness of the chosen method, how easily the client can access the means, and how detailed the plan is—all of which indicate elevated acute risk.

Question 3

Which of the following is considered a protective factor against suicide?

Accepted Answer

Strong reasons for living and a sense of responsibility to children

Answer

Protective factors such as a sense of responsibility to dependents, reasons for living, and social connectedness reduce the probability that suicidal ideation will lead to action.

Question 4

What is the most immediate action when a client discloses suicidal ideation with a specific, lethal plan and immediate intent?

Accepted Answer

Initiate a safety assessment and contact emergency services if the client cannot be kept safe voluntarily

Answer

Specific plan plus intent plus lethal method constitutes a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate intervention, including emergency services if the client cannot contract for safety.

Question 5

In suicide risk assessment, the mnemonic IS PATH WARM is used to identify:

Accepted Answer

Warning signs of imminent suicide risk

Answer

IS PATH WARM stands for Ideation, Substance abuse, Purposelessness, Anxiety, Trapped, Hopelessness, Withdrawal, Anger, Recklessness, Mood changes—all warning signs of suicide risk.

(CIC) Crisis Intervention Counselor Practice Test

(CIC) Crisis Intervention Counselor Practice Test

CIC CIC Suicide Risk Assessment & Prevention