Read G Suicide Intervention Plan Assignment

1 Suicide Intervention Plan Assignment 2 Presenting Problem Joanne's presenting problem is that she unexpectedly came to the outpatient clinical counseling office to tell her counselor how much she appreciates them. After further questioning, she reveals that she has a gun in her car but refuses to stay and talk. This indicates an imminent crisis, suggesting Joanne may be considering suicide or violence toward others. Precipitating Event Joanne is not compliant with her medication and has a demanding job causing significant stress that is her primary source of personal fulfillment. She divorced after the revelation that her exhusband was gay and then had an affair with her sister's husband. Not to mention that her sister’s husband continues to pursue her despite her severe guilt about their affair, which may be causing additional stress and trauma. Risk Factors  Long history of depression  Multiple suicide attempts  Non-compliance with medication  High-stress job with long hours  Lack of hobbies and social support  Distressing extramarital affair with her sister's husband  Access to a gun Additional Risk Factors Gender: Women are more likely to attempt suicide than men (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). 3 Age: Adults that are forty-five to sixty-four have the highest rate of suicide (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021). Divorce: Divorced adults have a higher risk of suicide than married or single adults (Turecki & Brent, 2016). Resources and Protective Factors Material Resources Joanne's job provides financial stability but at the cost of a high-stress environment. Referring her to career counseling and stress management programs can provide support and help her explore alternative career options. Providing information on financial assistance programs and community resources for individuals with mental health issues can also alleviate financial stress. Personal Resources Joanne's appreciation for her counselor indicates she has some semblance of a support system. Continuing counseling can help Joanne develop a positive self-image, increase her selfesteem, and provide her with coping skills. Referring her to peer support groups and group therapy can help her increase her support system. Social Resources Referral to parenting support groups can help Joanne navigate her relationship with her daughter and give her parenting skills. Encouraging Joanne to participate in community events and clubs can help her expand her social network and give her a sense of belonging. Community Resources Referral to crisis intervention hotlines and emergency services can provide immediate support to Joanne. Encouraging her to access mental health services available in her community, 4 such as outpatient counseling, support groups, and inpatient treatment, can provide her with additional support. Spirituality Ethical Considerations When working with a very high-risk client, the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) Codes of Ethics require counselors to prioritize the safety and well-being of the client. This includes taking appropriate actions to prevent suicide, such as conducting a suicide risk assessment, developing a suicide intervention plan, and making necessary referrals to medical and mental health professionals. Spirituality can play a significant role in preventing suicide among high-risk clients. A systematic review conducted by Hooper, Judd, and Ciesla (2014) found that religious and spiritual factors, such as beliefs in a higher power and participation in religious activities, were associated with lower rates of suicidal ideation and behavior. Spiritual Considerations Spirituality can provide a source of hope, meaning, and strength for individuals who are struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings. Counselors should engage in a non-judgmental and respectful exploration of the client's spiritual beliefs and values and work collaboratively to integrate these beliefs into the client's treatment plan. Research indicates that individuals who report a greater sense of religious or spiritual well-being may have a lower risk of suicide (Koenig, 2018). However, it is essential for counselors to remain culturally sensitive and responsive when addressing spiritual concerns with clients. Interventions 5  Develop a safety plan that includes removing any means of self-harm and identifying sources of social support.  Discuss the importance of hospitalization and commitment to ensure Joanne’s safety.  Encourage her to contact a suicide hotline or crisis center for immediate support. Treatment Plan: Goals and Interventions Problem 1 (mental): Joanne’s unresolved guilt over her past affair is an active problem that requires proper treatment. Goal 1: Joanne will decrease the overall level, frequency, and intensity of distress related to her past affair. Objective 1: Joanne will learn and practice at least two coping skills to decrease rumination about her past affair to less than twice daily. Intervention 1: The counselor will teach and support Joanne in identifying and implementing coping skills that can help decrease distress related to her past affair to the point where it will occur less than once daily. Problem 2 (physical): Joanne’s poor medication compliance is an active problem that requires proper treatment. Goal 1: Joanne will decrease the frequency of her noncompliance with her medication. Objective 1: Joanne will develop and adhere to a routine for taking her medications on time. Intervention 1: The counselor will teach and support Joanne in developing and implementing a consistent routine for taking her medications on time. Problem 3 (emotional): Joanne’s chronic depression is an active problem that requires proper treatment. 6 Goal 1: Joanne will improve her mood and decrease the severity of her depressive symptoms. Objective 1: Joanne will identify negative thought patterns and develop alternative thought patterns. Intervention 1: The counselor will teach and support Joanne in developing cognitive restructuring skills to decrease her negative thought patterns. Problem 4 (social): Joanne’s lack of social support is an active problem that requires proper treatment. Goal 1: Joanne will increase her social circles to increase her social support network. Objective 1: Joanne will identify and engage in activities to increase her social interaction. Intervention 1: The counselor will teach and support Joanne in identifying potential hobbies and activities and provide resources for local support groups. Problem 5 (spiritual): Joanne’s lack of spiritual well-being is an active problem that requires proper treatment. Goal 1: Joanne will increase her spiritual support and overall sense of spiritual wellbeing. Objective 1: Joanne will identify and engage in spiritual activities to increase her spiritual well-being. Intervention 1: The counselor will teach and support Joanne in identifying and developing potential religious and spiritual activities to increase her spiritual well-being.