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C-SSRS: Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale

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Ryan Buchmann, MA, MFT, CADC-II
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The C-SSRS (often referred to as "The Columbia") is a very comprehensive assessment of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts.  It was recommended by the Marine Corps to assess Marines who were contemplating ending their life.  The tool is intended to identify the intensity of the need for additional clinical support (e.g. involuntary confinement).  It should only be administered in person or over the phone and not sent via the Client Portal.  If a client enters your office announcing they are contemplating suicide, you can use this tool to quickly gauge the severity of the ideation.  If you end up using this tool and a problem appears evident, I strongly encourage using the Client Safety Plan Template (also in this forum) as a follow-up so the client has a plan in the event their suicidal thinking puts themselves at risk.

Here is a link to a PDF you can download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P-EzKEj2w84f3uOMEXzdADVyCZU6SgqK/view?usp=sharing 











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13 comments

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  • Abigail Weissman

    I'm so glad you put this one in there. I use this screening for all new clients and then follow up with them as necessary and appropriate. 

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  • Erin McNiff-Kirby

    I use this scale also. If I want to use it in SP do I need to make a form like you did? Is there a way to share?

     

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  • Ryan Buchmann, MA, MFT, CADC-II

    SP offers no way to export and share a form. You can print it out as a PDF, then copy & paste questions to your own form.

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  • Sharon E. Prager

    Ryan anyway to get a PDF version like you had previously posted? I cannot seem to get this to print. 

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  • Ryan Buchmann, MA, MFT, CADC-II

    Yes, you can get it by clicking here.

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  • Mieke Bryant

    This is helpful.  Thank you.

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  • Angelia M. Worley

    It would be nice to have the CSSR-S integrated in Simple Practice. It is the gold standard in suicidal screening in addition per their website you do not need special permission to add to their database https://cssrs.columbia.edu/the-columbia-scale-c-ssrs/cssrs-for-communities-and-healthcare/#filter=.general-use.english 

     

    "You do not need special permission from us to take the Columbia Protocol tools and use them in your setting, create your own unique triage next steps, or embed the Columbia Protocol in your electronic health record keeping systems (EHR). We are happy to look at any materials you develop, policies you write or screenshots of your EHR to confirm their accuracy. You can send them to us at posnerk@nyspi.columbia.edu."

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  • Emmy Johnson

    I agree - I think it would be nice to have the C-SSRS integrated into SP - is there any plans for this to be implemented any time in the near future?  I know we can add our own forms, but does seem a bit labor intensive.... 

     

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  • Chris J. Porter

    Ryan, in the final question-- rating the potential for lethality, what does the dropdown menu have on it? I can't get it to open via the PDF.

    Thanks for this great resource!

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  • Ryan Buchmann, MA, MFT, CADC-II

    Hi Chris,

    Good question!  There are 3 possible outcomes:

    • 0 = Behavior is not likely to result in injury
    • 1 = Behavior is likely to result in injury but not likely to cause death
    • 2 = Behavior is likely to result in death despite available medical care
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  • Carol Fischbach

    Wish SP would add it since it is the current standard for suicide assessment!!!

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  • Brittany Ellmer

    I would also like to see this added as an assessment within SP.

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  • Kevin Cuchia

    This needs to be added to assessments within SP

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