Suicide Risk Assessment (Columbia Protocol)

The Suicide Risk Assessment Form implements the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) protocol, the gold standard for suicide risk screening used across emergency departments, behavioral health settings, and primary care practices worldwide. It systematically evaluates the spectrum of suicidal ideation from passive wish for death through active ideation with specific plan and intent, captures lifetime and recent suicide attempt history with method and medical severity details, and assesses preparatory behaviors that may indicate imminent risk. The structured escalation pathway built into the form ensures that clinicians follow evidence-based triage guidelines based on the severity of responses.

This template extends beyond the core C-SSRS questions to include documentation of critical risk factors such as recent losses, substance use, access to lethal means, chronic pain or medical illness, and prior psychiatric hospitalizations. Equally important, it captures protective factors including reasons for living, social support networks, treatment engagement, and cultural or religious beliefs that serve as buffers against suicidal behavior. A safety planning section allows clinicians to document warning signs, coping strategies, emergency contacts, and means restriction counseling directly within the assessment.

Designed for emergency departments, psychiatric inpatient and outpatient facilities, crisis intervention centers, primary care offices, and school-based health programs, this form supports compliance with Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goal 15 for suicide risk reduction. It provides the detailed clinical documentation needed for risk stratification, safety plan development, level-of-care determination, and continuity of care communication between treatment settings.