If the person says ‘Yes’ to recently thinking about ending their life (Question 5), complete the suicide/self-harm risk
assessment below. Specific questions and prompts and further guidance can be found in the PsyCheck User’s Guide.
Risk Factor
Low Risk
Moderate Risk
High Risk
1. Previous attempts: Consider lethality and recency of attempts. Very recent attempt(s)
with moderate lethality and previous attempts at high lethality both represent high
risk. Recent and lethal attempts of family or friends represent higher risk.
History of harm to self
Previous low lethality
Moderate lethality
High lethality, frequent
History of harm in family members or close friends
Previous low lethality
Moderate lethality
High lethality, frequent
2. Suicidal ideation: Consider how the suicidal ideation has been communicated; non-disclosure may not indicate low risk. Communication of plans and intentions are indicative of high risk. Consider non-direct and non-verbal expressions of suicidal ideation here such as drawing up of wills, depressive body language, ‘goodbyes’, unexpected termination of therapy and relationships etc. Also consider homicidal ideation or murder/suicide ideation.
Intent
No intent
No immediate intent
Immediate intent
Plan
Vague plan
Viable
plan
Detailed plan
Means
No means
Means available
Means already obtained
Lethality
Minor self-harm behaviours, intervention likely
Planned overdose, serious cutting, intervention possible
Firearms, hanging, jumping, intervention unlikely
3. Mental health factors: Assess for history and current mental health symptoms, including depression and psychosis.
History of current depression
Lowered or unchanged mood
Enduring lowered mood
Depression Diagnosis
Mental health disorder or symtoms
Few or no symptoms or well-managed significant illness
Pronounced clinical signs
Multiple symptoms with no management
4. Protective factors: These include social support, ability or decision to use support, family involvement, stable
lifestyle, adaptability and flexibility in personality style etc.
