Safety Plan (Stanley-Brown)

Stanley–Brown Safety Plan

(Use patient-centered "I" language throughout. Keep entries concrete and actionable. If any step has no entries, write "None identified yet—will revisit at next contact" rather than omitting the step. Do not use language implying a guarantee of safety or framing this as a contract. For means safety, be specific about roles, timeframes, and verification; distinguish confirmed actions from planned actions. Include phone numbers for all people listed in Steps 3–5 when available.)

Patient: [name, MRN or DOB per local policy]

Date Created: [date]

Clinician: [name, credentials]

Participants: [patient; others present including supports, interpreter if used]

Indication

[Brief reason for creating or updating the safety plan] (1–2 sentences; if a separate suicide risk assessment exists, reference it here.)

Step 1: Warning Signs

(List 3–6 patient-identified thoughts, feelings, situations, or behaviors that signal a crisis may be developing. Use the patient's own words where possible.)

1. I notice [warning sign]
2. [additional warning signs as applicable]

Step 2: Internal Coping Strategies

(List things I can do by myself to reduce distress without contacting anyone; list in order most likely to use first.)

1. I can [specific internal coping strategy]
2. [additional strategies as applicable]

Step 3: Social Distractions

(People I can contact for distraction without disclosing a crisis, and safe places I can go. Include names, relationships, and phone numbers for people; include location details for places.)

• [Name (relationship), phone] — [distraction contact / safe place with location details]
• [additional people or places as applicable]

Step 4: People I Can Ask for Help

(People I can contact when I need active support. Include name, relationship, phone, and optionally what I will say.)

• [Name (relationship), phone] — I will say: [what I will say]
• [additional helpers as applicable]

Step 5: Professional and Crisis Resources

• Treating clinician/clinic: [name/clinic], phone: [number]. After-hours: [instructions]
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 (24/7)
• Local crisis services: [service name, phone, hours if applicable]

If I am in immediate danger, I will call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Step 6: Making My Environment Safer

(For each relevant means category—firearms, medications, other—document: current access status, planned safety action, responsible person, timeframe, and how completion will be verified. Distinguish confirmed actions from planned actions. If access is unknown, document plan to assess.)

• [Means type]: Access: [status]. Action: [safety action]. Responsible: [name]. Timeframe: [date]. Status: [planned / confirmed on date]. Verification: [plan]
• [additional means categories as applicable]

Step 7: My Reasons for Living

(Brief list of personally meaningful anchors—people, pets, goals, values, responsibilities. If patient cannot identify, note plan to revisit.)

• [reason for living]
• [additional reasons as applicable]

Plan Use and Follow-Up

How I will use this plan: [Activation rule, e.g., "When I notice warning signs, I will start with Step 2 and work through the steps." Where plan will be kept: phone / wallet / other]

Copy provided: [yes / no]; Format: [printed / electronic / photo]

Shared with: [names of supports who received copy, if any]

Next review: [date or timeframe]

Changes this visit: [brief summary of updates, if revised] (Omit if new plan)