Which describes key components of a suicide risk assessment for adolescents and the immediate actions a counselor should take if risk is suspected?

• A. Focus on academic performance and refer to outside resources only.
• B. Only evaluate mood and sleep, with no safety planning.
• C. Assess ideation, plans, means, intent, prior attempts, protective factors; ensure safety, involve guardians, notify crisis resources, document; follow school protocol.
• D. Withhold guardian involvement and delay contacting crisis resources.

Answer: (C)

Assessing suicide risk in adolescents centers on gathering information about current thoughts of suicide and the specifics of any plan, including means and intent, while also identifying protective factors and supports. The best answer reflects not only evaluating ideation, plans, means, intent, and prior attempts but also taking immediate safety actions: ensure the student is safe, remove access to means if feasible, involve guardians per policy, contact crisis resources, and document thoroughly, all within the school’s established protocol. This approach aligns with the duty to protect students, enables timely intervention, and coordinates care with families and community resources.

Focusing only on academics misses the direct risk indicators and safety steps that are essential in a crisis. Evaluating mood and sleep alone omits critical questions about ideation, plans, and intent and lacks concrete safety planning. Withholding guardian involvement and delaying crisis resources is unsafe and contrary to ethical responsibilities and school procedures.