What steps should you take if a client expresses imminent risk of self-harm or harm to others?

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Multiple Choice

What steps should you take if a client expresses imminent risk of self-harm or harm to others?

When there is imminent risk, the priority is to act quickly within a safety-focused framework. Start with a risk assessment to clarify immediacy, intent, access to means, lethality, and protective factors, along with available supports and context. Based on that assessment, develop a safety plan with the client if possible, including coping strategies, steps to reduce access to means, a clear plan for seeking help, and a plan for what to do if warning signs reappear; ensure the plan is realistic and reviewed with the client. Involve crisis resources as needed to ensure immediate safety, which may include crisis hotlines, mobile crisis teams, or emergency services. Notify appropriate supports in accordance with policy and legal obligations—this can involve informing supervisors or other treatment team members and may require mandated reporting or duty-to-warn/protect decisions, all while communicating clearly with the client about information sharing. Finally, document all actions: the risk assessment findings, the safety plan, whom you contacted, resources engaged, and the rationale for decisions. This approach addresses immediate danger, supports ongoing care, and fulfills ethical and legal responsibilities.

When there is imminent risk, the priority is to act quickly within a safety-focused framework. Start with a risk assessment to clarify immediacy, intent, access to means, lethality, and protective factors, along with available supports and context. Based on that assessment, develop a safety plan with the client if possible, including coping strategies, steps to reduce access to means, a clear plan for seeking help, and a plan for what to do if warning signs reappear; ensure the plan is realistic and reviewed with the client.

Involve crisis resources as needed to ensure immediate safety, which may include crisis hotlines, mobile crisis teams, or emergency services. Notify appropriate supports in accordance with policy and legal obligations—this can involve informing supervisors or other treatment team members and may require mandated reporting or duty-to-warn/protect decisions, all while communicating clearly with the client about information sharing. Finally, document all actions: the risk assessment findings, the safety plan, whom you contacted, resources engaged, and the rationale for decisions. This approach addresses immediate danger, supports ongoing care, and fulfills ethical and legal responsibilities.

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