Suicide Risk Screening
Reviewed
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.
Preparation and collection
You do not need any special preparations for this screening.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- 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.