Risk of Harm to Self
(Suicidality Risk Assessment)
A structured psychological assessment focused on evaluating risk of self-harm or suicide within a defined clinical or institutional context. The assessment is guided by the referral question and Safeguarding requirements, with clear scope, method, and stated limitations.
Safeguarding-focused risk formulation
A suicidality risk assessment is conducted when there are concerns about potential self-harm or suicide and a structured, clinically grounded opinion is required. The assessment focuses on current risk factors, protective factors, and contextual variables, and is aligned to the referral purpose and safeguarding context.
- Risk indicators current and historical factors relevant to self-harm/suicide risk.
- Protective factors buffering supports, values, relationships, and treatment engagement.
- Context and stressors situational pressures, access to means, and supervision factors.
- Scope and limitations clearly stated to keep conclusions defensible for intended use.
What this assessment covers
General guidance for referral contexts, components, reporting outcomes, and safeguarding scope. For urgent concerns, contact emergency services.
When to refer
Context
When there are concerns about self-harm or suicide risk and a structured, documented assessment is required for clinical, institutional, school, workplace, or safeguarding purposes.
Appropriate referral settings
Referrals
Clinical services, institutions and organisations, schools, and workplaces where safeguarding responsibilities require formal assessment and reporting.
Typical components
Process
Referral clarification and urgency check, structured clinical interview, relevant measures where appropriate, and an integrated formulation describing risk level, contributing factors, and protective factors.
Reporting outcomes
Reporting
Safeguarding-focused documentation summarising context, background, methods, findings, and conclusions aligned to the defined risk questions, with scope and limitations clearly stated.
