September | 2022

Have You Completed Your Assessment?

We are implementing new assessments to improve our progress monitoring and inform your quality of care. 

The new assessments will be implemented yearly and will include a standard battery of assessments.  

What are the assessments?

The CSSRS with SAFE-T assessment is a suicide risk assessment. The CANS and ANSA are global monitoring tools that identify clients' strengths and needs in order to enhance therapeutic services. 

How do I complete the assessments?

This year all clients will receive copies of the forms via Docusign. Once you receive it, the forms will take about 15-minutes to complete. Parents should work with their children to complete the form. All others should respond to the assessments without receiving assistance from people outside of treatment. 

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and we are excited to share information and resources to prevent suicide and spread hope to those experiencing mental health challenges.

According to recent statistics, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States (CDC, 2020). Among children aged 5 to 11, death by suicide is the 8th leading cause of death (CDC, 2020). Because the rates of suicide in children are steadily increasing, mental health professionals must be diligent in their efforts to screen and identify those who are at risk for self-harm and suicide. 

The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (also called the Columbia 5-question test) is a quick screening tool that can be used with individuals aged 12 and up. In addition,  the screener assesses risk by providing a severity indicator that assists clinicians in understanding a client's range of suicidal behaviors. Identifying individuals early in the treatment process acts as a mechanism to prevent suicidal behaviors in the future. 

What can you do to spread support during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month? 

•  Share the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline with friends and family. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate crisis support, they can call or text 988 at any time.

• You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to get in touch with a free, crisis-trained counselor.

• Visit and share NAMI’s (National Alliance on Mental Illness) “Navigating a Mental Health Crisis: Resource Guide” to understand warning signs of a mental health crisis, strategies, and resources 

• Use the hashtags #Suicideprevention or #Together4MH on your social media accounts to share resources and support 

• Order NAMI’s first book, “You are not alone” by Dr. Ken Duckworth. This book endeavors to end mental health stigma by sharing the mental health stories of 130 individuals. You can pre-order the book and learn more on Porchlight: You Are Not Alone.

Remember, if you are having thoughts of suicide you are not alone.