Safety planning is an evidence-based technique designed to help clients collaboratively reduce the risk of suicidal behavior by developing a personal, actionable plan.
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
An editable Microsoft Word version of the resource.
Safety plans focus on empowering clients to take actionable steps during a crisis. A number of studies support the use of safety planning as an effective intervention in reducing suicidal behaviors and increasing patient engagement with healthcare services. The Safety Plan exercise is a structured tool that can be used by mental health professionals working with clients at risk of suicide. It consists of a organized list of coping strategies and contacts that clients can use during a crisis. Developed collaboratively between therapist and client, the plan is intended to help clients manage their distress by recognizing warning signs and using tailored coping mechanisms and support networks.
Safety planning is a critical component of comprehensive suicide prevention efforts. It is distinctive from earlier methods such as 'no-suicide contracts', offering more effective support through:
People experiencing suicidal ideation, urges, or behaviors who need a structured and collaborative plan to manage risk during crises.
Clients with major depressive episodes who are at increased risk of suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, or withdrawal.
People navigating depressive or mixed episodes, where suicidal ideation or impulsivity may increase.
Clients with intense emotional states, impulsivity, or chronic suicidality who benefit from structured crisis planning.
Recognize warning signs and triggers for suicidal thoughts.
Describe internal coping strategies that clients can deploy independently.
Include social contacts who can support clients.
Ensure clients have access to mental health professionals and services.
Minimize clients' access to means of self-harm.
Review and assess the viability of the plan for client use.
Safety planning is an evidence-based intervention designed to reduce the immediate risk of suicidal behavior. It has become a key component of comprehensive care for individuals at risk of suicide. A safety plan is a collaboratively developed, hierarchically arranged written list of coping strategies and sources of support that individuals can use during a suicidal crisis (Henriques et al., 2003).
The safety planning intervention (SPI) described by Stanley and Brown (2008) typically takes 20-45 minutes to complete and is designed to be brief, practical, and personalized. It includes steps such as recognizing warning signs, employing internal coping strategies, seeking social and professional support, and reducing access to lethal means. Evidence from clinical trials (e.g., Stanley et al., 2018) shows that incorporating a safety plan into care improves client engagement with services and significantly reduces suicidal behavior.
Unlike ‘no-suicide contracts’ — which lack empirical support and may inhibit honest disclosure — safety planning focuses on actionable, therapeutic strategies and encourages a collaborative clinician-client relationship. It communicates to the client that help is available and provides a clear, accessible roadmap to navigate moments of crisis.
Clinicians are encouraged to treat safety planning not as a standalone solution but as one part of a broader treatment approach that includes comprehensive risk assessment, psychological and pharmacological interventions, and, when necessary, hospitalization. When used as intended, the safety plan can enhances patient agency, promotes continuity of care, and supports recovery.
