The Safety Plan is an evidence-based crisis intervention tool developed by Dr. Barbara Stanley and Dr. Gregory Brown. It is designed to be completed when you are feeling calm and kept accessible for moments when you need support. Having a written plan reduces the need to think clearly during a crisis.
This worksheet guides you through six essential steps: recognizing your personal warning signs, identifying internal coping strategies, listing social distractions, noting people you can contact for help, documenting professional resources, and planning ways to make your environment safer.
Research has shown that safety planning significantly reduces suicidal behavior and is now a standard component of evidence-based suicide prevention. The plan works by creating a personalized sequence of coping strategies and resources to use before and during a crisis.
We recommend completing this worksheet with a mental health professional if possible, and sharing your completed plan with someone you trust. Remember: reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
