Universal · Safety

Suicide Safety Plan Template

One-page printable template for pocket or phone

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A one-page suicide safety plan template. Built for the client to keep on their phone or wallet. Completed in session so the words are theirs, not a script.

Warning signs I know now — what tells me a crisis is starting

What I will do first, alone — cold water, walk, music, breathing

Who I will contact if step 1 isn't enough (initials, no numbers on printed page)

Professional support — therapist and crisis line I trust

One thing I will remove or lock up so I stay safer

One reason to stay — written in my own words

If in immediate danger: 988 (US) · 111 press 2 (UK) · local emergency services.

About this worksheet

A one-page suicide safety plan template built for the client to keep on their phone or in a wallet. Not a substitute for the full Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention — this is its pocket version, using the same evidence-based structure in a tighter form. Sections: the warning signs the client knows now; the first thing they will do alone (cold water on the face, walk, music, slow breathing); the person to contact if the first step isn't enough (initials only on the printed page — numbers stay off paper); professional support (therapist, crisis line); one item they will remove or lock up so they stay safer; and one reason to stay written in their own words. The template is meant to be completed in session, with the client's own words, not a script.

When to use it

Any suicide risk conversation.
ED discharge planning where a full SPI form isn't available.
Refresher after a crisis has passed.
For clients who prefer a shorter format than the full six-step SPI.

How to use it

1
Complete with a therapist
A client filling this out alone in crisis is not the intervention — collaboration is.
2
Client's own words
The template's power is in the specificity of the client's language, not the template itself.
3
No phone numbers on the printed page
If the sheet is lost, initials protect the contact. Numbers live on the client's phone.
4
One reason to stay — real, not aspirational
'My dog' beats 'I have so much to live for'. Small and true carries more weight in a crisis than large and abstract.

Frequently asked questions

Is one page enough?+

For pocket reference, yes. For the full clinical safety plan, use the Stanley-Brown format.

How often should this be updated?+

After any crisis, and at least quarterly. Reasons to stay and reliable coping moves drift.

Is this worksheet free?+

Yes. Free printable PDF. Sign in to send as a secure client link.

Related interactive tool

Interactive tool

Interactive Stanley-Brown Safety Plan builder

Build the full 6-step Stanley-Brown plan in-session with a client. Generates a pocket-sized shareable link the client can pin to their phone home screen.

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Worksheet — Suicide Safety Plan Template — provided by TherapistAssist for clinical use. Not a substitute for assessment or treatment.