C-SSRS Screener

Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale — Triage Version

De-identify everything. Never enter client names, dates of birth, record numbers, or other identifying information anywhere on Meridian.

Clinician tool. This screener is intended for trained mental health or medical professionals administering the C-SSRS with a client. If you are personally experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988 now, or go to your nearest emergency department.

Ask each question directly, in order. Questions 3–5 are only asked if Question 2 is endorsed.

Suicidal ideation

In the past month

Have you wished you were dead or wished you could go to sleep and not wake up?

In the past month

Have you had any actual thoughts of killing yourself?

In the past month — ask only if #2 is Yes

Have you been thinking about how you might do this?

In the past month — ask only if #2 is Yes

Have you had these thoughts and had some intention of acting on them?

In the past month — ask only if #2 is Yes

Have you started to work out or worked out the details of how to kill yourself? Do you intend to carry out this plan?

Suicidal behavior

Ever in your lifetime

Have you ever done, started to do, or prepared to do anything to end your life? (Examples: collected pills, obtained a weapon, gave away possessions, went to a location, started to take pills or cut yourself)

Learn more

Self-Harm & Safety PlanningWhat non-suicidal self-injury is, why people self-harm, how to support someone, and the evidence-based safety planning framework used by clinicians.14 min read Crisis Intervention TechniquesClinician technique for acute situations: rapid risk assessment, verbal de-escalation, collaborative safety planning, lethal-means counseling, and the NH crisis system.14 min read Understanding DepressionWhat depression actually is, the major types, how it's diagnosed, why it happens, and the treatments that work.14 min read

Printable safety plan NH crisis resources