What is the most appropriate immediate action when a client reports suicidal feelings?

• A. Call 911 immediately
• B. Assess risk and follow your agency's crisis protocol
• C. Ignore the report and proceed with the session
• D. Tell the client to rest and revisit later

Answer: (B)

Immediate priority is safety: assess the level of risk and follow your agency’s crisis protocol. Start by asking direct, nonjudgmental questions about whether the client has a plan, intent, timeline, means, and current supports. This helps you gauge how imminent the danger is and what resources are required.

Following the crisis protocol ensures a consistent, legally and ethically sound response. It prompts you to involve the right people (such as a supervisor), activate appropriate crisis resources (crisis lines, mobile crisis teams, or emergency services if the protocol calls for it), and implement concrete steps like arranging a safer environment, developing a safety plan, and coordinating transport if needed. Document the conversation and actions taken so there’s a clear record of risk assessment and safety decisions.

It’s not appropriate to ignore the report or tell the client to rest, and simply calling 911 without using the agency protocol isn’t the preferred first step because the protocol guides the exact, approved actions. If the risk is imminent, emergency services may be involved as part of the protocol, but the key is to begin with a risk assessment and activate the established crisis response.