If a client reports ongoing risk after discharge, what is the counselor's appropriate course of action?

If a client reports ongoing risk after discharge, what is the counselor's appropriate course of action?

• A. Ignore the risk and terminate services
• B. Simply provide crisis resources without follow-up
• C. Reassess in a few weeks and do nothing else
• D. Document the risk, initiate safety planning, and coordinate with applicable crisis resources

Answer: (D)

When a client reports ongoing risk after discharge, the most appropriate step is to address safety directly through documentation, safety planning, and connection to crisis resources. Documenting the risk creates a formal record that informs future treatment decisions and fulfills ethical and legal responsibilities to monitor safety. Safety planning then becomes a collaborative process with the client to identify warning signs, coping strategies, supports, and concrete actions to take during a crisis, including how to access help and when to seek emergency services. Coordinating with applicable crisis resources ensures immediate, appropriate intervention and continuity of care, whether through mobile crisis teams, crisis hotlines, or urgent care services, and helps arrange follow-up after discharge. This integrated approach protects the client’s safety and supports ongoing treatment, whereas ignoring the risk, only providing resources without follow-up, or delaying intervention does not adequately address the danger or continuity of care.