Suicide Lethality Scale

Risk Level	Details	Mental Health	Precipitating Event	Person's Disposition	Action
Low	-Person states she/he is feeling suicidal -No suicide plan developed -Person not in immediate danger. (i.e. the means to carry out the plan are not present, intent is not immediate)	- May or may not have received counseling in the past. -May or may not have received mental illness diagnoses/treatment.	-Recent crisis or string of crises.	-Primary need seems to be someone to talk to who will listen. -Person is open to and active in developing a positive plan of action. -Person has a basic support system available.	-Explore primary issues. -Discuss short and long term plans of actions. -Contract with person to fulfill positive plan of action. -Contract with person to reach out for help again if the suicidal feelings return.
Medium	-Person states she/he is feeling suicidal. -They have a plan. -Means to carry out the plan are available but not readily accessible. -Means are available but not immediately lethal. -Intent is not immediate.	-May have family history of suicide and/or mental illness. -May have chronic mental illness diagnosis.	-Likely feels that negative life events have been ongoing for years. -May resist idea of "here and now."	-Person may seem uncertain about prospect of future happiness/wellness. -Person still willing to reach for help and develop a positive plan of action.	-Explore primary issue. -Discuss short and long term plans of action, including the possibility of mental health assessment. -Contract with person to fulfill a positive plan of action. -Contract with person to reach out for help again if the suicidal feelings return.
High	-Person states she/he is feeling suicidal. -Plan developed -Intent is immediate or within near future. -Means are lethal and accessible. -Likely to have attempted before, and has probably felt suicidal for a long period of time.	-Presence of chronic mental illness is likely, whether or not it's been diagnosed. -Likely has family history of mental illness/suicide.	-Recent crisis likely in addition to ongoing crisis/distress.	-Person stated intent to die. -Resistance to open communication/ alternatives. -Disillusioned with helping system, strong feelings of hopelessness and diminished fear in the face of death. -You believe the person will harm themselves.	-If suicide is in progress, call 9-1-1 to dispatch emergency services. -Contract with person to seek immediate assistance from a mental health professional -- follow up to make sure this was done. -Contract with person to reach out for help again if suicidal feelings return.