Safety Plan
A brief, structured clinical document co-created with a patient at elevated risk of suicide or self-harm, outlining personalized warning signs, coping strategies, social supports, and crisis resources.
Full Definition
A safety plan, commonly formatted using the Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention model, is a short written protocol completed collaboratively between clinician and patient when suicidal ideation or self-harm risk is identified. It is distinct from a no-suicide contract and is considered superior in evidence. The plan is sequenced: personal warning signs, internal coping strategies, social contacts for distraction, contacts for support, professional resources, and means restriction. Safety plans are mandatory documentation in many behavioral health settings following a risk assessment. Editors must not confuse the safety plan with a relapse prevention plan or a crisis plan, which differ in scope and trigger conditions.
Usage
Usage note: Always lower-case unless part of a proper program title. Do not use 'no-suicide contract' as a synonym; they are clinically and legally distinct.
In Context
- "The therapist completed a safety plan with the client after she disclosed passive suicidal ideation during the session." — Progress note
- "The safety plan template must include a means restriction section and be signed by both the clinician and the patient." — Clinical policy and procedure document