Safety Plan
Safety planning is an evidence-based technique designed to help clients collaboratively reduce the risk of suicidal behavior by developing a personal, actionable plan.
Safety Plan
Creating a Safety Plan can help you stay safe when you feel overwhelmed or suicidal. It will give you a specific set of coping strategies that you can use if you experience suicidal thoughts or if you're in a crisis.
Complete this plan with a mental health professional. The goal is to develop a plan you feel confident using.
Overview
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.
Also available as:
PDF ToolUse this tool with your clients
Support therapeutic work between sessions.
Assign
Send the tool securely to your client.
Client completes
Your client works through it on any device, at their own pace.
Review
Review their responses before the next session.
Part of a complete library of evidence-based tools
Worksheets, guides, audio resources and interactive digital tools for mental health professionals.