The Columbia Protocol: A Unique Suicide Prevention Tool “The Columbia Protocol, also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), supports suicide risk assessment through a series of simple, plain-language questions that anyone can ask.

How does the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale Work?

It rates an individual’s degree of suicidal ideation on a scale, ranging from “wish to be dead” to “active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent and behaviors.” Questions are phrased for use in an interview format, but the C-SSRS may be completed as a self-report measure if necessary.

How long does the C-Ssrs take to administer?

The approved version of the C-SSRS Risk Assessment follows. Training can be administered through a 30-minute interactive slide presentation followed by a question-answer session or using a DVD of the presentation.

When was the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale created?

In 2012, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made the Columbia–Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C–SSRS)¹ the preferred instrument—the “gold standard”—for measuring suicidal ideation and behavior in clinical trials going forward.

What is the Columbia Lighthouse Project?

The Columbia Lighthouse Project (formerly the Center for Suicide Risk Assessment) aims to save lives worldwide by making the protocol’s use universal. We also help people integrate the Columbia Protocol into a broader suicide prevention program.

Who can administer the Columbia?

Anyone can use the Columbia Protocol; no mental health training is required. The wide variety of Columbia Protocol users includes physicians and nurses, first responders, psychologists, social workers, counselors, correctional officers, research assistants, high school students, teachers, family members, and clergy.

Is the path warm?

IS PATH WARM? is an acronym utilized as a mnemonic device. It was created by the American Association of Suicidology to help counselors and the general public “remember the warning signs of suicide.”