During a suicide hotline counseling session, the final step for the counselor is to:

During a suicide hotline counseling session, the final step for the counselor is to:

• A. Understand and clarify the problem
• B. Formulate a plan
• C. Establish a positive relationship
• D. Assess the caller's suicide potential

Answer: (B)

In crisis intervention, the aim is to move from understanding what the caller is experiencing to concrete safety actions that keep them safe after the call. After building trust, clarifying the problem, and assessing risk, the crucial move is to formulate a plan. This safety plan translates insight into specific steps the caller can actually take when distress spikes. It typically includes coping strategies the caller can use, who they can contact for support, and steps to reduce access to means, along with arranging follow-up contact to monitor safety. This final step makes the intervention practical and ethically responsible by providing a clear, actionable path to safety rather than leaving the call with only feelings and thoughts.

In crisis intervention, the aim is to move from understanding what the caller is experiencing to concrete safety actions that keep them safe after the call. After building trust, clarifying the problem, and assessing risk, the crucial move is to formulate a plan. This safety plan translates insight into specific steps the caller can actually take when distress spikes. It typically includes coping strategies the caller can use, who they can contact for support, and steps to reduce access to means, along with arranging follow-up contact to monitor safety. This final step makes the intervention practical and ethically responsible by providing a clear, actionable path to safety rather than leaving the call with only feelings and thoughts.