What is the first priority for the care of clients who may be suicidal?

The first priority for the care of clients who may be suicidal is to protect them from harm. When individuals are in a state of suicidal ideation, their safety becomes paramount. This involves ensuring that they are not in a position to harm themselves or others. Protective measures may include one-on-one observation, removing any means of self-harm from the environment, and implementing safety protocols to ensure the individual cannot harm themselves.

While assessing emotional state, establishing trust, and providing counseling are all important components of mental health care, they follow the critical necessity of ensuring the client's immediate safety. No therapeutic interventions can be effective if the individual is in a situation where they could endanger their own life. Therefore, protecting clients from harm is the foundational step in managing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, making it the first priority in care.