When a client expresses suicidal thoughts, what is the counselor's first action?

When a client expresses suicidal thoughts, the counselor's first action should be to assess the degree of risk. This step is crucial because it involves evaluating the immediate safety of the client and understanding the context and seriousness of their feelings. By assessing the risk, the counselor can gather important information, such as whether the client has a plan, means, and intent to act on their thoughts. This assessment helps in determining the appropriate level of intervention needed to keep the client safe.

Understanding the degree of risk is fundamental to establishing the next steps in crisis intervention, which may include immediate actions such as referrals to emergency services or safety planning. Thus, this assessment serves as the foundation for effectively addressing the client's needs and ensuring their safety in a potentially life-threatening situation.