A safety plan is a clinical document that a mental health provider creates to help a client maintain safety. Some clients may never require a safety plan, but you should always be prepared to develop one if safety concerns arise.
In this article, we’ll go over:
A safety plan is a collaboration between a client and therapist. It is a clinical document that outlines strategies for helping a client maintain safety. Sometimes individuals such as a parent, guardian, or partner may participate in the development of the document, as they may play an active part in the plan. A copy of the plan should always be dated and given to the client. The original should be kept in your records.
A safety plan is helpful for a client because it reminds them of their coping skills and support system when experiencing unsafe thoughts or behaviors. Examples of unsafe thoughts or behaviors can include:
A safety plan acknowledges what risk factors a client is experiencing, what they can do on their own to maintain safety, who to contact for help, and where to go if they cannot be safe. It also provides a client with resources if they are unable to maintain safety on their own.
If you are aware of a client experiencing unsafe thoughts or behaviors, and a client engages in such behaviors that cause injury or death, you could be held responsible. While a safety plan does not guarantee a client will be safe, it demonstrates that a provider has assessed for risk and addressed the concern to the best of their ability. This is helpful for a provider because it can protect you from potential legal action.
Situations, people, or things that make a client feel upset, angry, sad, anxious, or uncomfortable.
Thoughts, images, situations, behaviors that indicate a client is experiencing or about to experience unsafe thoughts or behaviors.
Things a client has identified that they can do on their own to self-soothe.
Someone a client has identified that they can ask for help.
Resources a client can use if they are unable to maintain their safety on their own.
A copy of the plan is dated and given to the client. The original is kept in your records.
Completing a safety plan for a client deemed as high-risk is a best clinical practice. Examples of a high-risk client include, but are not limited to:
Join SonderMind, and our evidence-based approach to care will give you the additional tools you need to provide the best possible support to even more people in need. Get access to free trainings, case consultation, and an exclusive online forum for SonderMind therapists. See all continuing education and training opportunities available to SonderMind providers here.
Join a community of mental health providers committed to changing the future of mental healthcare.
Join SonderMind
Join thousands of mental health clinicians changing the way people access, receive, and participate in their treatment.
Join SonderMindStay connected and supported with the latest tips and information from SonderMind.