Suicide and the Dangerous Client, Termination and Abandonment Issues

1
Suicide and the Dangerous Client, Termination and
Abandonment Issues

2
Hints when working with suicidal or dangerous
clients

• Review ethical codes relevant to clients in
  crisis.
• Obtain relevant past records of violence and
  abuse
• When signs of suicidal or homicidal behavior are
  presented, seek consultation and supervision.
  Two heads are better than One

3

• Use your best clinical judgment
• Take appropriate action warn the victim, notify
  the police, seek hospitalization
• Be aware and current regarding evolving case law
  statutes in your state about particular actions.

4
When documenting actions with a suicidal or
dangerous client

• Be specific
• Describe actions taken in detail
• Include actions considered, which were ruled out
  and why
• List who was sought for consultation
• Ultimate decision and rationale

5
Suicide Prevention skills necessary for a School
Counselor

• Ability to recognize behaviors of students who
  have a potential for committing suicide.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to help
  students/families/others impacted by the threat.
• Knowledge of referral resources that are
  necessary in crisis situations.

6
Practicing in an Ethical Manner

• Keeping private information confidential.
• Informing others if a student is at risk.
• Consulting with colleagues.
• Staying informed of current information in the
  area of student suicides.

7
Issues with termination

• In terms of liability, how the counseling
  relationship ends is critical
• Counselor can initiate termination with client

8
Reasons to initiate termination

• Have exhausted all therapeutic interventions with
  client
• Client is non-compliant
• Client cannot pay

9
Remember

• Do not abandon the client without a bridge to
  other care, especially if he/she is in crisis