What would you do if a caller is sharing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting suicidal behavior on a hotline call?

If a caller appears to be suicidal, it’s important for the counselor/advocate to assess the severity and level of risk. If the case is low or moderate risk, the counselor/advocate can work on a safety plan with the caller and/or refer them to 988—the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If the client expresses having a clear, defined plan and the means to execute it, this represents a high-risk case and the counselor/advocate should immediately call 911 and recommend the caller to go to an emergency room at their nearest hospital.