Step by Step Quick Suicide Reference Guide for Outpatient Practice

What do you do in an outpatient practice when a patient says, “I am feeling suicidal”?

This guide shows you exactly what to do next, step by step, including key safety precautions and clinical actions to help you respond appropriately and confidently.

The Outpatient Suicide Risk Action Guide is a practical, clinician-focused reference designed to support mental health providers in the assessment, documentation, and management of suicide risk in outpatient settings.

Created for psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, therapists, primary care clinicians, and other behavioral health professionals, this guide provides a structured, easy-to-follow framework for identifying warning signs, stratifying risk, developing effective safety plans, documenting clinical decision-making, and determining the appropriate level of care.

Instead of relying on scattered notes or lengthy manuals, this guide offers a streamlined, real-world resource for everyday clinical practice. It is designed to help providers respond with greater clarity, confidence, and consistency when caring for patients at risk. Whether used during patient visits, clinical supervision, staff training, or as a quick-reference tool, this guide strengthens clinical judgment, improves documentation, and supports safer outpatient care.