Suicide Evaluation & Assessment
When concerns about suicide risk arise—whether in clinical practice, educational settings, workplace environments, or other professional contexts—timely, thorough evaluation is essential. Our suicide evaluation and assessment services provide comprehensive risk assessment, clinical recommendations, and actionable safety planning for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation or exhibiting warning signs.
What We Offer
Comprehensive Suicide Risk Assessment
We conduct detailed evaluations that go beyond screening tools to understand the full clinical picture. Our assessments examine current suicidal ideation, intent, plan, access to means, protective factors, psychiatric history, recent stressors, and both acute and chronic risk factors. You'll receive a clear, thorough assessment that informs next steps in care.
Clinical Consultation & Recommendations
Following the evaluation, we provide detailed clinical recommendations tailored to the individual's level of risk. This may include outpatient treatment planning, recommendations for intensive outpatient or inpatient care, medication evaluation, safety planning, crisis resources, and ongoing monitoring strategies. Our goal is to give referring professionals actionable guidance they can implement immediately.
Safety Planning & Risk Management
Every evaluation includes collaborative development of a safety plan that addresses means restriction, coping strategies, support systems, warning signs, and crisis contacts. We work with the individual to create a plan they can actually use, not just a document to check a box.
Documentation for Professional Use
We provide clear, comprehensive documentation suitable for medical records, treatment planning, legal proceedings, or coordination with other providers. Our reports include clinical findings, risk formulation, diagnostic impressions, and specific recommendations.
Who We Serve
Our suicide evaluation services are available for:
Mental health providers seeking comprehensive assessment for clients with unclear or escalating risk
Educational institutions (schools, colleges) needing evaluation for students of concern
Primary care physicians who identify suicidal ideation and need specialist assessment
Employee assistance programs requiring evaluation for workplace safety concerns
Legal professionals needing expert evaluation and testimony
Families seeking professional assessment for a loved one
Individuals who recognize they need help and want thorough evaluation
Evaluation Format
Evaluations typically include:
Initial clinical interview (90-120 minutes)
Collateral information gathering (when appropriate and with consent)
Risk formulation and treatment recommendations
Written report (if requested)
Follow-up consultation with referring professional (when applicable)
Availability:
Evaluations can be conducted in-person or via secure telehealth, with expedited scheduling available for urgent situations.
When to Request an Evaluation
Consider requesting a suicide evaluation when:
An individual expresses suicidal thoughts but their level of risk is unclear
There's been a recent suicide attempt or significant escalation in suicidal ideation
Chronic suicidality is affecting treatment progress and a fresh assessment is needed
You need documentation of risk assessment for legal, educational, or medical purposes
You're uncertain whether outpatient care is sufficient or if a higher level of care is needed
Safety planning alone feels insufficient and you want expert guidance
Our Approach
We approach suicide evaluation with both clinical rigor and compassionate care. We understand that suicidal thoughts reflect profound suffering, and we treat every individual with dignity and respect while thoroughly assessing their safety. Our evaluations are collaborative rather than punitive—our goal is to understand the person's pain, identify pathways to help, and create a plan that keeps them safe while honoring their autonomy wherever possible.
Important Information
Crisis Situations: If someone is in immediate danger, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), take them to the nearest emergency room, or call 911. Suicide evaluations are for situations requiring thorough assessment but not immediate emergency intervention.
Confidentiality: Evaluations follow standard mental health confidentiality laws and ethics, with limitations around imminent risk of harm. We will discuss confidentiality and any necessary information sharing at the outset of the evaluation.
To schedule a suicide evaluation or discuss whether this service is appropriate for your situation, please contact us at eliana@1135counseling.com.
We believe that suicide is preventable, that people in crisis deserve compassionate expert care, and that thorough assessment saves lives. If you're concerned about someone's safety, reaching out for evaluation is an act of care—and we're here to help.