The Recognizing Suicide Lethality (RSL) scale, also called the “Thirteen Questions on Successful Suicide” is used to identify whether a person who may be exposed to suicidal individuals (such as a physician, social worker, minister, or educator) can recognize the signs of suicide. The questions in the RSL are based off the factors identified in the Suicide Potential Rating Scale (Holmes and…
Tag: suicide
Suicide Intervention Response Inventory (SIRI)
The Suicide Intervention Response Inventory is designed to assess the ability of paraprofessionals (as well as professionals) to recognize and respond to suicidal statements. (Neimeyer R.A. & Maclnnes, 1981) It is comprised of 25 segments, each of which represents an excerpt from a counselling session, and two potential responses. The test-user must rank the responses…
Methods of Evaluating Helplines and Hotlines
There are a number of methods in place to evaluate helplines and hotlines for the purposes of obtaining grants or other funding as well as demonstrating their effectiveness to their stakeholders (volunteers, clients/callers and staff). Some of these approaches are discussed here, along with their benefits and drawbacks. Most organizations will not find one method…
Documenting a Suicide Risk Assessment
It is very important that when performing a suicide risk assessment in a clinical or professional context (whether a therapist, crisis or mental health worker, teacher, etc.), that you adequately document exactly what happened and what you did in response. A good suicide risk assessment form will assist you in documenting what the suicidal person…
Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM)
Counseling on Access to Lethal Means, or CALM is a course originally developed by Harvard Public Health that is now available in an online format through the Suicide Prevention Resource Centre. It is a 90 to 120 minute course designed for counsellors, therapists, crisis workers and others who work directly with suicidal persons, and makes…