1. Conducting suicide risk assessment in clinical and school settings
Max Banilivy, PhD

2. No current SI does not mean no imminent risk
Risk fluctuates.
There are other risk factors to consider.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Thank you. Conducting suicide risk assessment
in clinical and school settings