Suicide Prevention and Response - American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

ASCA Resources

Framework: Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention
This document from ASCA, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the National Association of School Psychologists and The Trevor Project, outlines model policies and best practices for school districts to follow to protect the health and safety of all students. It is critically important that school districts have policies and procedures in place to prevent, assess the risk of, intervene, and respond to youth suicidal behavior.

Toolkit: Information-Gathering Tool: Suicide Concern
School counselors use the ASCA Information-Gathering Tool: Suicide Concern to identify critical safety information through supportive, student‑centered conversations. The tool provides a holistic approach to student’s social/emotional well-being and comprehensive suicide-prevention policies including prevention, intervention and postvention components. It reinforces adherence to district protocols, encourages appropriate consultation and family involvement, and promotes a comprehensive and ethically aligned response to student safety concerns.

Guide: A Quick Guide to Support Students with Suicidal Ideation

Position Statements

The School Counselor and Suicide Risk Assessment

The School Counseling and Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention

Webinars
Legal and Ethical Considerations: Suicidal Risk & Informational Gathering
Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention
Suicide Risk Assessments Pose Legal Risk to School Counselors
After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools
Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ+ Youth
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health During COVID-19

Magazine articles
Assessments and Third-Party Software Alerts for Suicide Ideation
Suicide Assessments: The Medical Profession Affirms School Counselors' Truth