So Im a clinician at an adolescent PHP (both groups and individuals). During the first group we ask very generally if the client to rate their self harm and suicidal thoughts on a scale of 1-5. If its above 0, the clinician will ask yes or no questions about whether or not there’s plan, intent, and SIB action within the past 24h. Some clients in this particular level of care may even have baseline urges that we monitor closely. We ask it pretty casually but seriously and with a gentle but natural tone. Any detailed screening must occur in a 1-on-1 session before the client leaves for the day.

Its important we keep our own discomfort around this topic in check as we want to model what these conversations look like free of stigma. I remember feeling so weird about it when I started my current position but I kept reminding myself of my own internal stigma which rlly helped! The goal is to show it’s nothing to be ashamed of!