Effective suicide prevention counseling can literally save a life. With timely interventions, treatment and support, suicides and suicide attempts can be prevented. In crisis counseling, how you encounter the suicidal client may differ from the traditional face-to-face interactions we typically consider for long-term care. Some suicidal clients reach out with a phone call or online messaging. Other times we are given a written case referral and asked to consult for immediate safety planning. Since we encounter suicidal clients in a variety of platforms, this discussion is designated to help you not only perfect your skills in determining how to assess and intervene with a suicidal client, but also to consider the impact of how the client information is presented on our decision making regarding best client care.

In this Discussion, you will be assigned a particular case presentation to review. Students with the last name A–I will watch the video recording as if working with a face-to-face or online client. Students with the last name J–R will review the transcript as if given a written referral. Students with the last name S–Z will listen to the audio recording as if speaking to a client by phone. Based on your assigned format, you will assess for risk factors and begin safety planning for your client.

To Prepare:

• Download the transcript and review the video Facilitative Response Activity. You can download the transcript for future reference with clients.
• Review the video How to accurately assess and help a client by Dr. Sue Banks and Dr. Michelle Slater.
• Based on your last name, review the case presentation for Robert in the Suicide assessment and safety planning link using the format assigned.

Note: When the media resource is accessed and appears, please make certain that you choose the format that coincides with the group you are assigned. Students with the last name A–I will watch the video recording. Students with the last name J–R will use the written transcript. Students with the last name S–Z will listen to the audio recording.

By Day 3

Post your responses to the following:

• The type of interaction you reviewed of Robert (i.e., written, video, or audio)
• Risk factors for Robert
• Things you would like to know about Robert (i.e., what information is missing?)
• Components you think will be important to include in a safety plan for Robert

Note: For this discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the Post to Discussion Question link, then select Create Thread to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts – and cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking Submit!