C-SSRS Screen

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C-SSRS Screen

Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) Screener version, is a brief, evidence-based questionnaire used to identify and assess suicide risk. It is the go-to guide to assess at risk symptoms immediately.

Overview of the C-SSRS Screener

The C-SSRS screener is a simple tool to see if an individual is at risk for suicide, gather the immediacy of the risk, to set in place the next steps for necessary support if needed.

Purpose of C-SSRS

The results quickly inform clinicians if their clients needs an immediate intervention, as an emergency room intake, or can be referred for an outpatient evaluation. It is not a full clinical evaluation.

Questions of C-SSRS

The screener includes 6-7 questions about suicidal thoughts/ideations and actions/behavior. The format uses a Yes or No response system.

Key Questions and Risk Levels

CSSRS screener asks about the following:

A wish to be dead

Actual thoughts of killing oneself
Thoughts about a method (planning)

Intention to act on thoughts

Specific plan and intent to carry it out

Actual preparatory acts or behaviors, or a suicide attempt

Affirmative answers to specific questions help classify risk:

🟨 Low Risk:

Thoughts of suicide without intent or plan.

🟧 Medium Risk:

Significant ideation, possibly with some intent or plan.

🟥 High Risk:

Recent intent, plan, or preparatory behavior/attempt, requiring immediate intervention.

Access and Resources

The C-SSRS scale and associated training are available for free for use in community and healthcare settings through the Columbia Lighthouse Project website.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek immediate help:

Contact a suicide and crisis hotline.

Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

Stay with the person until they can be evaluated by a professional.

CSSRS credits and limitations

CSRRS Screen was developed by Kelly Posner, Ph.D. New York State Psychiatric Institute.

Canada Online Therapy acknowledges the developers and original copyright holders The Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. Canada Online Therapy does not own the copyright and confirms that all rights belong to the respective owners. Canada Online Therapy utilizes this material in compliance with the terms and conditions provided by the copyright holder for clinical and educational purposes.

Reference:

CSSRS Screen is intended for clinical documentation and screening purposes only to assist healthcare professionals in identifying at risk symptoms.

* Please note: it is not a substitute for a comprehensive diagnosis by a trained clinician.*

In Canada, an official diagnosis can typically only be provided by a qualified healthcare professional such as a licensed physician, psychiatrist, or registered clinical psychologist. Registered and licensed therapists utilize these results to inform their treatment plans and advocate for their clients during the assessment process and for special purposes such as needed and presented by their clients.