Learn how to use the Columbia - Suicide Severity Rating Scale Screener (C-SSRS)

The C-SSRS/"The Columbia" is a few simple questions about suicidal thoughts and behavior that empower communities, families and individuals to find people who are at risk and prevent tragedies before they happen. It tells the user whether a next step is needed, and provides setting-specific recommendations for how to help someone stay safe from suicide.

Simple: You can ask as few as three to six questions, with no mental health training required to ask them.

Effective: Experience shows that the scale uniquely identifies those who would otherwise be missed.

Efficient: Use of the scale redirects resources to where they are needed most, preventing unnecessary interventions that are often costly, traumatic, and lead to disengagement from the needed care. The C-SSRS provides evidence-based thresholds to connect those at risk to the right level of care.

The Most Evidence-Supported: The scale originated in a NIMH treatment study, and generated an unprecedented amount of research that validates the questions.

Free: The screener is available at no cost.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training will be held prior to this training in a virtual format from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. There will be a break from 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m. for lunch. This C-SSRS training will be from 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. If you would like to attend the QPR portion of the training, click this link to register: QPR training (11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.). This registration page is ONLY for attending the C-SSRS training.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact ssnei@dacac.org.