Suicide Risk Screening
Reviewed
Also called: Suicide Risk Assessment, Suicide Risk Evaluation, ASQ, PHQ-9 for Suicide Risk, C-SSRS, SAFE-T
A suicide risk screening uses a set of questions to evaluate how likely a person is to attempt suicide. It is a preventive tool that helps identify individuals who may need immediate or follow-up mental health support. The screening is often done by a health care or mental health provider using validated assessment tools such as the ASQ, PHQ-9, C-SSRS, or SAFE-T.
Specimen: None (questionnaire-based screening)
Urgent safety information
If you or a loved one has immediate warning signs such as talking about suicide, searching for ways to end your life, or having a plan, seek help right away. Call 911 or go to your local emergency room. You can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Do not leave the person alone.
Why this test may be ordered
- To identify individuals who may be at risk for attempting suicide
- To evaluate warning signs such as hopelessness, mood swings, withdrawal, or talking about suicide
- To assess risk in people with known risk factors (e.g., previous attempt, mental health disorder, chronic illness, substance use, trauma)
- To guide next steps in care, including safety planning, counseling, or hospitalization
Preparation and collection
You do not need any special preparations for this screening.
A health care provider or mental health professional will ask you a series of questions about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They may also perform a physical exam and ask about your use of alcohol, drugs, and medications. Some screening tools are self-administered questionnaires. The provider will use one or more validated suicide risk assessment tools (e.g., ASQ, PHQ-9, C-SSRS, SAFE-T) to evaluate your responses.
According to MedlinePlus, there is no risk to having a physical exam or a questionnaire. However, discussing suicidal thoughts can be emotionally distressing for some people. Your privacy will be protected, but results may be shared with other health care professionals involved in your care.
Understanding results
Your screening results show how likely it is that you may attempt suicide based on the assessment tool used. The results are not a diagnosis of a mental health condition. They help your provider determine the next steps for your safety and well-being.
- Screen-positive (higher likelihood): Your responses indicate a higher likelihood of attempting suicide. This may include thoughts, plans, or behaviors that raise concern. Limitation: This is a screening result, not a confirmed diagnosis. False positives can occur, and some people at risk may not be identified by the screening tool alone. Next step: A brief suicide safety assessment (BSSA) or a comprehensive mental health evaluation should be done by a trained provider. Depending on the level of risk, your provider may recommend safety planning, counseling, medication, or hospitalization.
- Screen-negative (lower likelihood): Your responses indicate a lower likelihood of attempting suicide at this time. No immediate safety concerns were identified. Limitation: This result does not guarantee that you will never have suicidal thoughts. Screening tools can miss some individuals at risk, especially if questions are not answered honestly or if risk changes over time. Next step: Continue routine follow-up with your health care provider. If you notice any warning signs in the future, seek help promptly. Maintain a safety plan if one was provided.
- Screening results are not a diagnosis of a mental health condition; they only indicate risk level.
- False positives and false negatives are possible; some individuals at risk may not be identified.
- Results depend on honest and complete answers to the screening questions.
- The screening does not replace a comprehensive mental health evaluation.
- Risk can change over time, so periodic re-screening may be needed.
What to do next
Based on your screening result, your provider will discuss the appropriate next steps. If you are at higher risk, you may be referred for a brief suicide safety assessment, counseling, medication management, or hospitalization. If you are at lower risk, continue routine care and monitor for any changes. Always seek immediate help if you or a loved one experiences warning signs of suicide.
- What warning signs of suicide should I watch for in myself or a loved one?
- Are there any risk factors (e.g., mental health history, substance use, trauma) that I should discuss with my provider?
- How often should I be re-screened for suicide risk?
- What should I do if I feel unsafe or have thoughts of harming myself between appointments?
- Can you help me create a safety plan with coping strategies and emergency contacts?