[SAFETY PLANNING INTERVENTION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION]

Abstract

Safety planning is a short-term therapeutic intervention aimed at enhancing the resources that suicidal individuals harness when dealing with imminent and future suicidal crises. Structured as a six-step action plan, the Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) includes identifying early signs of an emerging suicidal crisis, improving internal coping strategies and the ability to engage relevant social and therapeutic relationships, and removing dangerous means for suicide. The program can be applied in multiple settings, including emergency rooms and outpatient clinics. Studies examining this mode of intervention have demonstrated that it is highly effective in lowering suicidal behavior. Accompanied by a brief case vignette, we will outline key principles underlying safety planning, compare it to other available interventions and discuss remaining questions that warrant future assessment.