Clinical responses should be proportionate to the nature, severity, context, and immediacy of the identified risk. As the client’s presentation changes, the response and level of intervention may need to change as well.
When Risk Can Be Managed Without Emergency Intervention
When a client is able to maintain their safety and immediate intervention is not clinically indicated, providers should consider:
- Addressing factors contributing to distress and supporting stabilization.
- Creating, reviewing, or updating a collaborative safety plan.
- Sharing appropriate crisis, treatment, and support resources.
- Considering whether changes to the treatment plan, frequency of engagement, or level of care are needed.
- Establishing an appropriate plan for ongoing assessment and monitoring.
- Completing necessary documentation, including assessment findings, interventions, clinical rationale, outcomes, and follow-up plans.
When Immediate or Emergency Intervention Is Indicated
When there is concern that a client cannot maintain their safety or their clinical presentation indicates an immediate threat to safety:
- Prioritize immediate safety and stabilization.
- Maintain engagement and use de-escalation strategies when clinically appropriate.
- Determine whether an emergency contact or local emergency services are clinically indicated.
- Support the client throughout the escalation process when possible.
- Complete necessary documentation, including assessment findings, interventions, clinical rationale, outcomes, and follow-up plans.
Remember: There is no single response that applies to every risk situation. Clinical decisions should reflect the individual client, circumstances, and level of risk. |