How do you assess for suicidal ideation in a student?
Counselors at schools are in a unique position to spot and assist with mental health problems among pupils. This question is intended to test your comprehension of the procedure for determining the presence of suicidal ideation, which is a crucial duty of a counselor. Also, it allows the interviewer to hear your reasoning and get a sense of how you would respond to this kind of circumstance.
Introduce yourself by outlining the procedures you would use to evaluate a student's risk of suicide. You should discuss how you would pose inquiries in a non-judgmental, encouraging, direct, and honest manner. Don't forget to explain any guidelines or processes your school has established for evaluating students for suicide ideation. Provide instances of how you have successfully applied these techniques in the past as well. Finally, describe the services or assistance you may provide to a student who is contemplating suicide.
Example:
I always make sure to approach the topic with kindness and understanding when evaluating a student for suicidal ideation. Usually, I begin by asking open-ended questions about how they are feeling and any potential life events that may be upsetting them. A standardized risk assessment questionnaire created by our school district is another resource I use to look for any potential suicide red flags. If it is found that a student is at risk, I will direct them to the proper mental health providers and offer support as required. I was able to successfully link students with the tools and support networks they needed to ensure their safety and well-being in my former role as a school counselor.