What are the three levels of increased lethality for suicidal clients?

The correct answer identifies a progressive framework for understanding the increasing risks associated with suicidal behavior. This framework consists of ideation, planning, and acting on the plan, which reflects the stages a person may go through.

Ideation refers to the thoughts of suicide, where the individual begins to contemplate the act itself. This stage is critical, as it indicates a level of distress and a desire to escape pain but may not involve concrete steps toward acting on those thoughts.

Planning involves taking specific steps toward carrying out the suicidal act. This can include thinking about methods, researching means, or creating a timeline. This stage signals a significant escalation in risk, as it reflects a transition from merely thinking about suicide to considering actionable strategies.

Finally, acting on the plan indicates that the individual has moved from thought and intent to actual behavior. This stage is the most critical in terms of immediate risk and requires urgent intervention.

Understanding these levels helps mental health professionals gauge the severity of a client's suicidal ideation and tailor appropriate interventions based on where the individual is on the continuum of risk.