Asking Directly about Suicide Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
Explore how to integrate the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale into a broader suicide risk assessment and how to use what you learn to develop person-centered plans and responses. The C-SSRS fits within Connect and Assess in the SafeSide Framework for Suicide Prevention as a tool to guide you on how to ask directly about suicide, and better understand past and recent/present suicidal ideation, actions, and means.
Asking Directly about Suicide Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale provides practical tools for using a screening tool to effectively guide and provide guidance on how to ask direct, empathetic questions about suicide risk.
What You'll Learn
- What is the C-SSRS, and how do I use it?
- How do I administer and score the suicidal ideation items?
- How do I administer and score the suicidal behaviour items?
- Four Additional Strategies You Can Use When Asking about Suicide
- How can you use what you learn with the C-SSRS within a broader suicide assessment?
- Practice the C-SSRS with a Demonstration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our FAQs for insights into the Add-Ons.
The module is designed to be completed in 60 minutes, but you can pace it according to your schedule.
Standard screening tools help identify risk but may miss some individuals. The Colombia Scale is just one screening tool that can be used. Whatever tool you are using, it works best when combined with empathetic conversations that explore the person's full context and challenges.