What action should a counselor take if they suspect a client is at risk of suicide?

When a counselor suspects that a client is at risk of suicide, taking immediate steps to ensure the client’s safety is paramount. This action is grounded in the ethical and legal responsibilities counselors have to protect their clients from harm. Suicidal ideation or behavior constitutes a crisis situation that calls for urgent intervention.

By prioritizing the client's safety, the counselor can take necessary precautions, such as conducting a risk assessment, creating a safety plan, and, if needed, arranging for hospitalization or further mental health support. This proactive approach can directly address the immediate threat and provide the client with the support they need in a critical moment.

The other options, in contrast, may compromise the client's safety. Discussing the concern with the client's family could lead to confidentiality breaches and might leave the client feeling unsupported. Leaving the situation to the client’s discretion could place them in further danger. Documenting the suspicion is essential for record-keeping, but it should not replace the immediate action required to protect the client from harm. Each of these alternatives lacks the urgency and direct involvement necessary in situations concerning potential suicidality.