How should an MFT address a client’s suicide risk?

Developing a comprehensive safety plan is essential for addressing a client’s suicide risk in a therapeutic context. This approach involves collaboratively identifying warning signs, coping strategies, and supportive resources that the client can access when feeling overwhelmed or in crisis. A safety plan empowers the client by equipping them with practical tools and a clear action plan for managing distressing thoughts and feelings.

It emphasizes the importance of engagement and communication between the therapist and the client. By creating this plan together, the therapist can instill a sense of agency and responsibility in the client, helping them recognize their strengths and resources. This method is recognized as a best practice in suicide prevention, as it allows for proactive rather than reactive strategies, giving clients a way to navigate their risks effectively.

While hospitalization can be a necessary step in certain acute cases, it is typically not the first line of action unless there is an imminent risk of harm. Similarly, avoiding discussions about suicidal thoughts may increase feelings of isolation and distress, while forcing a client to disclose their feelings can violate the therapeutic alliance and trust essential for effective counseling. Thus, comprehensive safety planning stands out as a holistic and client-centered approach to addressing suicide risk.