Topic 2 DQ 1
Hello Professor Derby and Class,
When trying to determine whether or not a client is high-risk, there are several identifying
factors that a counselor/case manager should be aware of. Mental health risk factors include
depression (new onset or increased), new onset or relapse of substance use, aggression,
and/or severe mood changes (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Nd).
Environmental factors can include access to substances or weapons. Isolation, an increase or
decrease in sleep or appetite, irritability, and erratic behavior are other warning signs that can
indicate that a client is high-risk. If the counselor/ case manager is unsure whether or not the
client is high-risk, routine risk assessments such as START (Short-Term Assessment of Risk
and Treatability) can be used. The START assessment consists of 20 questions that will
determine the client's overall risk. If done routinely, the counselor/case manager can
determine if the client should be considered high-risk or not.
Taylor
Reference
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (Nd). Risk Factors, Protective Factors, and
Warning Signs. Available from
https://afsp.org/risk-factors-protective-factors-and-
warning-signs/#:~:text=Behaviors%20that%20may%20signal%20risk,Withdrawing
%20from%20activities
