Which statement best describes the primary goals of a suicide risk assessment?

• A. Confirm suspected risk, estimate immediate danger, and decide on a treatment plan.
• B. Diagnose mental illness with a single test.
• C. Determine school placement and scheduling.
• D. Identify family history of non-suicidal self-harm only.

Answer: (A)

The main goal of a suicide risk assessment is to determine how real the risk is and what needs to happen next to keep the person safe. It starts with confirming whether there are suicidal thoughts or behaviors and gathering details about intent, any plan, access to means, past attempts, and protective factors. Next, it’s about estimating immediacy—how soon the person might act, whether there is a concrete plan, and whether safety barriers or urgent interventions are needed. Based on that risk level, a concrete treatment and safety plan is created, which may include crisis intervention, safety planning with caregivers, removing or restricting access to means, and referrals for mental health services or possible hospitalization. In child welfare settings, this assessment guides decisions about supervision, placement, and ongoing monitoring to protect the youth.

Other options don’t fit because a suicide risk assessment is not a single-test diagnosis of mental illness, not a tool for determining school placement or scheduling, and not solely about identifying family history of self-harm.