Utilizing evidence-based screening tools are essential for assessing the severity and immediacy of suicide risk in crisis settings. The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is a six-item tool that assesses for the severity and intensity of ideation, behavior, and lethality. It can be administered by anyone and is able to be used in a variety of settings. A PDF version is available and has been translated into 150 different languages. For more on the C-SSRS by setting and user, the Columbia Lighthouse Project offers a wealth of information for use by various settings and personnel types.
Taking the Lead: Investing in Community Crisis Response/Continuum
Like a physical health crisis, a mental health crisis can be devastating for individuals, families and communities. Too often, that experience is met with delay, detainment and even denial of service that can all add to a person’s trauma history. While a crisis cannot be planned, we can plan how we organize services to meet the needs of those individuals who experience a mental health crisis. It can also lead to hope, recovery and action. It is the latter outcome this document seeks to promote.
Crisis Now Tools
Crisis Now shares tools, infographics, assessments, and videos.