Safety Plans

What is a Safety Plan?

A Safety Plan is a collaborative tool developed between health providers and their clients to help manage and reduce the risk of suicidal behavior or self-harm. It's a structured, written document that outlines specific steps a person can take when experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts.

The primary goal of a Safety Plan is to provide individuals with a clear, actionable strategy to stay safe during times of intense emotional distress. It typically includes:

1. Recognition of personal warning signs
2. Internal coping strategies
3. Social contacts and settings that can provide distraction
4. A family member or friend who can offer support
5. Professional help and crisis resources
6. Ways to create a safe environment by limiting access to lethal means

Safety Plans are personalized to each individual's needs, circumstances, and preferences. They're designed to be easily accessible and used independently by the client when they're struggling with suicidal ideation or are at risk for a suicide attempt. It is then important to make sure that clients understand the purpose of this resource.

How does it work?

The Safety Plan operates on a principle of self-guided crisis management, utilizing a step-by-step approach tailored to the individual's unique circumstances and needs.

Step 1: Identify warning signs

Help the client recognize personal warning signs that indicate they might be entering a crisis. These can include thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that typically precede suicidal ideation.

Step 2: Develop internal coping strategies

Work with the client to list activities they can do independently to distract themselves from problematic thoughts or feelings. These should be specific and feasible actions.

Step 3: Outline social supports and settings

Identify people and places that can provide positive distraction. This step helps clients remember they're not alone and have supportive environments to turn to.

Step 4: Establish emergency contacts

Create a list of trusted individuals the client can contact during a crisis. Include names and contact information for easy access.

Step 5: Provide professional resources

List contact details for mental health professionals, local urgent care services, and crisis hotlines.

Collaborate closely with the client throughout this process to ensure the plan is personalized and practical. Encourage them to keep the plan easily accessible, such as on their smartphone or as a printed card in their wallet.

Safety Plans example (sample)

The practical use of a Safety Plan is frequently best understood through examples. So, we have included a sample Safety Plan in which potential scenarios and solutions are written to provide an illustrated guide on completing the plan. This sample describes the individual's distinctive warning indicators, coping mechanisms, social interactions, critical contacts, and probable lethal means reduction tactics. 

It is a practical reference for tailoring the strategy to the individual's specific circumstances and needs. Individuality is crucial here; everyone's Safety Plan will appear different since it must be personalized to reflect unique experiences, coping processes, and supportive networks.

Download this Safety Plan example:

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When would you use this template?

The Safety Plan template is a valuable resource that may be used in various situations. It is intended to be a preventive measure and an effective means of navigating crises.

Ongoing mental health treatment

The Safety Plan is an important tool in one's mental health toolbox. It promotes self-awareness, self-management, and personal responsibility for mental health.

Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

When a person has suicidal ideation or a history of self-harm, the Safety Plan is an essential tool. It lays forth a clear path for the individual to follow to reduce the risk of harm by recognizing early warning indicators and activating coping techniques.

High-stress situations

Individuals may struggle to cope with life upheavals such as divorce, job loss, or sorrow. The Safety Plan can act as a grounding aid in these situations, providing a structured approach to dealing with the increased stress and sometimes overwhelming emotions.

Post-hospital discharge

A Safety Plan can help in the transition phase after a mental health-related hospitalization by giving an organized method to address potential emergencies outside of the hospital environment.

First responders and healthcare professionals

These persons can use the Safety Plan to assist clients or patients who are suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis.

Educational institutions

Safety Plans can be used by school counselors, teachers, or university wellness centers to help students who are coping with mental health concerns or who are facing excessive stress during exams or due to personal circumstances.

Each situation necessitates a distinct strategy, underlining the importance of personalized, tailored Safety Plans that address individual requirements and situations.

Why use Carepatron as your Safety Plan app?

Carepatron is more than simply an app; it is a partner on your road to better mental health. Our practice management software is a feature-rich and user-friendly platform, making it the best choice for developing, amending, and updating your Safety Plan.

Your Safety Plan becomes a living document within our clinical documentation software, which can be updated and altered as your circumstances and needs change. This mobility is critical for keeping the plan relevant and valuable.

Carepatron is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, giving you rapid access to your plan in times of distress. With the added benefit of real-time updates, you can be confident that your Safety Plan is always up to date.

Experience all these features and more when you choose Carepatron as your practice management partner! Sign up for a free trial!