Conducting suicide risk assessment in clinical and school settings Max Banilivy, PhD mbanilivy@pedersonkrag.org
No current SI does not mean no imminent risk Risk fluctuates. There are other risk factors to consider.
There are many risk factors for suicide It helps to prioritize Distinguish distal/chronic factors and Proximal/acute factors Weigh risk factors against protective factors
Assigning a risk level is not a formula It takes clinical judgment to effectively apply general risk factors to create an individualized risk profile. Assigning a risk level is a tool to inform treatment decisions.
To effectively help students with suicide risk, schools need: Standardized referral and risk assessment procedures Relationships/communication with MH providers A continuum of services/alternatives to hospital referral Training of school mental health professionals Coordination of discharge planning Clear procedures for school re-entry and safety planning
Thank you. Conducting suicide risk assessment in clinical and school settings