How should a counselor respond to a client expressing active suicide risk?

• A. Conduct risk assessment, develop safety plan, involve crisis resources, and act according to applicable laws; ensure client safety.
• B. Dismissing risk if client seems calm after talk.
• C. Report to police without consent.
• D. Deny risk if client denies intent.

Answer: (A)

When a client expresses active suicide risk, safety comes first. The counselor should perform a thorough risk assessment to determine immediacy, intent, plan, means, timing, and available protective factors. Based on that assessment, work with the client to create a concrete safety plan that includes steps to stay safe, coping strategies, and clear directions for accessing support during a crisis. If danger is imminent or the risk is high, involve crisis resources and, when required by law or professional guidelines, notify appropriate authorities or guardians while respecting confidentiality limits. Throughout, document clearly and seek supervision as needed. This approach balances respecting the client while taking concrete steps to prevent harm, and it’s the best path rather than dismissing risk, acting without consent, or denying risk because the client says there is no intent, since those responses can leave the client vulnerable.