How to Handle Suicidal Clients
When a client admits to feeling suicidal, it is important to react quickly and to handle the situation with discretion. Handling the situation improperly may lead to harm to your client and legal and professional problems for you. If you work in an industry where suicidal clients are common, ask your supervisor or human resources department about training programs that can help you learn appropriate techniques for handling suicidal clients.
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Instructions
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Follow your company's internal policies regarding suicidal clients. If your workplace already has procedures in place about how to handle suicidal clients, work under those guidelines.
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Take all suicidal threats and ideations seriously. Even if you don't think your client is serious about following through with her suicide threat, take it seriously and do not dismiss her feelings or say anything to minimize her pain.
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Listen to what the client has to say. Suicidal people often feel alone and do not believe that anyone wants to hear about their problems. Although it will not provide a long-term solution to your client's pain, take the time to listen to her. Let her explain what she is feeling and what led up to the suicidal ideations.
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Help the client find appropriate and immediate treatment. If you have not been formally trained in crisis intervention or do not feel equipped to handle her suicidal threats, help your client get professional services. Use your company's resources to help her get transportation to an emergency room or psychiatric hospital.
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Write a detailed memo about the client's situation and present it to the appropriate parties. Although it is important to respect your client's privacy, inform your supervisor about the situation. If you have a waiver to speak to your client's psychiatrist, contact him as well.
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Follow up on the situation. After you have ensured that your client is in a safe place and is seeking treatment, continue to work with her resolve the issues that led to the suicidal feelings.
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