How StrongMinds Responds to Clients at Risk of Suicide

Suicidality is a global mental health problem, with some statistics estimating that up to 19% of chronically depressed individuals have reported suicide attempts. At StrongMinds, we know that depression is treatable and that timely, compassionate support can change lives. That’s why we have a careful referral process in place for anyone who expresses suicidal ideation at any point in the assessment or therapy process.  

At its core, IPT-G treats depression through group therapy, but there are moments when clients present with urgent needs that go beyond the scope of what we can directly provide. Broadly, this can include situations of active suicide risk or co-occurring mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, psychosis, or substance-use disorders. When these red flags appear, our teams act quickly to connect individuals to specialized care in government facilities, such as regional referral hospitals and district health centers, working hand in hand with government health professionals, including psychologists, across the countries where we operate.

For clients who may be at risk of suicide, StrongMinds has created a structured, compassionate, and coordinated approach to respond appropriately, strengthen safety, and connect clients to suitable services. We respond urgently once a suicide risk is identified. The approach emphasizes early identification, immediate safety, appropriate referral, follow-up, documentation, and continuous learning, all within a person-centred approach that maintains dignity and confidentiality throughout. Overall, our goal is a consistent, safe, timely, and compassionate response for any client who presents with elevated suicide risk.

Client Suicide Risk Response Pathway

The approach can be summarized into five steps:

• Recognize: Identify signs of elevated distress or suicide risk through screening, routine sessions, observation, client disclosure, or other appropriate programme processes.
• Respond: Provide a calm, supportive response within the volunteer or staff member’s role, prioritizing the client’s immediate safety.
• Refer: Connect clients who need additional or specialized care to appropriate services through established referral pathways.
• Follow Up: Confirm, where appropriate, that the referral was successfully linked to care, and identify any barriers to that care.
• Learn: Use appropriately protected and aggregated information to identify system gaps, strengthen supervision, and improve referral pathways over time.

Assessing Suicide Risk

When someone discloses suicidal thoughts, whether during an initial assessment or in the middle of a group session, our priority is to pause, listen, and provide reassurance. Our trained mental health coaches and supervisors then carry out a suicide risk assessment to understand the level of urgency.

• Low-risk clients receive psychoeducation, a safety plan, and continue into group therapy.
• Moderate-risk clients receive a safety plan, are referred to a health facility for assessment, and continue therapy with closer follow-up.
• High-risk clients are removed from danger and referred immediately to a health facility for specialized assessment and care.

This tiered approach ensures that no one is left without support, and that those in greatest danger are connected to lifesaving care without delay.

Creating Safety Plans

For individuals experiencing suicidal ideation, we work together with the client, caregivers, family members, and community leaders to develop a safety plan. This includes:

• Recognizing the early warning signs of suicidal thoughts.
• Identifying internal coping strategies.
• Seeking out supportive people and safe environments, while identifying relationships or settings to avoid.
• Knowing which professionals or agencies to contact during a crisis.

These plans are practical tools that empower clients to regain a sense of control, while giving their support networks clear ways to help.

Immediate and Coordinated Referrals

StrongMinds maintains and strengthens referral networks with relevant health facilities, mental health professionals, social services, and other appropriate partners. If a referral is needed, the process is immediate: clients are typically connected to a health facility within one to two hours, depending on distance and location. Our staff or volunteers accompany clients to ensure a safe handover to medical personnel, and families and local leaders are informed right away to rally support.

Some circumstances make quick referrals challenging, such as remote areas without a psychiatric clinical officer or nurse, or places where transportation is difficult. Even so, we work closely with government referral structures to ensure that all cases are handled, partnering with health centers, district and regional hospitals, community development officers, probation officers, and other NGOs so every client receives the right help at the right time. We thoroughly vet every partner organization through background checks, due diligence, and formal agreements.

Referral isn’t the end of our involvement with a client. Our teams check in with clients and caregivers to ensure they’ve received the necessary services, and whenever possible, encourage them to rejoin group therapy once stabilized, providing both immediate crisis care and longer-term treatment for depression. We are also strengthening our approach to postvention: the support we offer clients, families, and staff in the aftermath of a suicide attempt or loss.

Training for Preparedness

StrongMinds facilitators and staff are trained to handle disclosures of suicidal ideation with sensitivity and professionalism, including through a dedicated suicide module that ensures volunteers and coaches know exactly who to call, what steps to take, and how to keep both the individual and the group supported. Health workers from the closest health centers where we work also participate in our IPT-G training, gaining skills to support their clients more effectively and acting as key contacts for referrals.

Supervision and Staff Support

StrongMinds staff responding to at-risk clients often require guidance and support. Regular clinical and program supervision provides opportunities to discuss challenging cases, reinforce protocols, and strengthen decision-making without compromising client confidentiality.

Building Hope, Reducing Stigma

Every disclosure of suicidal thoughts is a reminder of the courage it takes to speak up, and the importance of having someone ready to listen. Our referral process is not just about logistics; it’s about dignity, compassion, and ensuring that no one faces their darkest moments alone.

So far in 2026, StrongMinds has completed 887 suicide risk assessments, resulting in 677 safety plans and 56 referrals to specialized care. Of those referrals, 44 were to government partners, and 12 were to NGO partners. These aren’t just numbers — they represent lives supported through timely intervention and the compassion of our teams.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, we reaffirm our commitment to treating depression and preventing suicide. By combining evidence-based therapy, strong referral networks, and ongoing follow-up, StrongMinds continues to stand with individuals and communities, proving that hope and healing are always possible.