My Personal Safety Plan
A fillable, seven-step personal safety plan for clients experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm urges, with Canadian crisis resources built in. Designed to be completed collaboratively in session.
2-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Crisis & safety
- Approach / concern
- Universal
- Technique
- Crisis & safety
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 2 pages (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the My Personal Safety Plan?
A safety plan is a prioritized, written list of coping strategies and supports that a person can use before or during a suicidal crisis. It moves from internal coping, to social contact, to professional help, and includes steps to reduce access to lethal means and a reminder of personal reasons for living. This structure is based on the Safety Planning Intervention developed by Barbara Stanley and Gregory Brown.
Why it works
In a large multi-site study, patients who received safety planning with follow-up calls after an emergency visit had about 45% fewer suicidal behaviours over six months compared with usual care (Stanley et al., 2018). Safety planning is now recommended in many suicide-prevention guidelines and works best as a collaborative conversation rather than a form that is handed over.
When to use it
- Any client reporting suicidal ideation
- After a suicide attempt or self-harm episode
- On discharge from emergency or inpatient care
- As a preventive tool for clients with a history of crises
How to use it in session
- Complete the plan together, in the client’s own words, after a risk assessment.
- Start with warning signs drawn from a recent crisis narrative.
- Make each coping strategy specific and realistic.
- Confirm that listed contacts are willing and reachable, and add 9-8-8 and local services.
- Discuss means safety in detail, including who can help.
- Give the client a copy, suggest a phone photo, and review the plan regularly.
Clinician tips
- Ask about obstacles to each step: “What might stop you from calling this person?”
- Involve family or supports, with consent, for the means-safety step.
- Update the plan after any crisis and at regular reviews.
- Document the plan in the clinical record according to your college’s standards.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is a safety plan the same as a no-suicide contract?
No. No-suicide contracts are not recommended and have no evidence of effectiveness. A safety plan gives the client concrete strategies and resources instead.
What is 9-8-8?
9-8-8 is Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline. People can call or text 9-8-8 at any time to reach trained responders, in English or French.
Should the plan be shared with family?
With the client’s consent, sharing parts of the plan with a trusted support person can strengthen it, especially for means safety.
References
Stanley, B., & Brown, G. K. (2012). Safety planning intervention: A brief intervention to mitigate suicide risk. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 19(2), 256-264.
Stanley, B., Brown, G. K., Brenner, L. A., Galfalvy, H. C., Currier, G. W., Knox, K. L., Chaudhury, S. R., Bush, A. L., & Green, K. L. (2018). Comparison of the safety planning intervention with follow-up vs usual care of suicidal patients treated in the emergency department. JAMA Psychiatry, 75(9), 894-900.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
