What is It?
Suicide screening is a simple, structured way to identify whether someone may be at risk for suicide — and then connect them to appropriate help. For non-profits that serve veterans or the public but are not mental health providers, screening can serve as an early alert system to ensure that people in distress don’t fall through the cracks.
Screening can be as simple as asking a few validated questions during initial contact, check-ins, or outreach — and having a clear plan to respond if someone indicates risk.
You are not diagnosing or treating. You’re opening the door to connection, support, and life-saving care.
Who is It For?
This is for non-profit staff and volunteers who work directly with individuals — especially:
- Veteran-serving organizations
- Housing and employment programs
- Peer support or mentorship programs
- Education, arts, or community engagement orgs
- Advocacy groups or case navigators
You don’t need to be a clinician to make a difference — you just need to know how to ask and where to connect.
What is the Intended Outcome and Impact?
For the organization:
- Early identification of individuals at risk
- Clear process for supporting someone in distress
- Increased staff confidence in knowing what to say and do
- Stronger partnerships with mental health providers and crisis services
- Demonstrated commitment to community safety and well-being
For the veteran:
- Timely support when struggling with thoughts of suicide
- Increased connection to mental health resources or crisis services
- Reduced isolation and shame through caring, nonjudgmental conversations
- Greater safety and hope, even in moments of crisis
How Technical Assistance Can Help with Suicide Risk Screening Integration:
- Tool Selection Guidance: Help organizations choose a simple, validated screening tool appropriate for their setting and population.
- Staff Training and Coaching: Provide training and materials to build staff confidence in asking screening questions and responding calmly and empathetically.
- Script and Workflow Development: Assist in creating clear scripts, checklists, and workflows for when and how to screen, and what to do if someone screens positive.
How to Implement Screening Safely
1. Choose a simple, validated screening tool
- Tools like the Columbia Protocol (C-SSRS – screener version) or PHQ-9 (question 9) are free and easy to use.
- Only a few yes/no or scaled questions are needed.
2. Train staff on how to ask the questions and respond calmly
- Use scripts or roleplay
- Emphasize empathy, not interrogation
3. Develop a clear referral plan
- If someone screens positive, your job is to connect, not fix
- Have a list of vetted local and national crisis and mental health resources ready
- Know when to involve 988 or another crisis team
4. Normalize screening
- Frame it as a standard part of care:
- “We ask everyone a few questions about mental health and safety, just to make sure we can connect people to support if needed.”
5. Provide support and follow-up
- Ask if the person is okay receiving a call or check-in
- With consent, help connect them to services or walk them through the first step