C-SSRS — Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale

Name: C-SSRS — Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
Creator: Daniel Diaz-Gil, MD
Keywords: C-SSRS, Columbia, suicide, risk, screening, safety, psychiatry, pediatric, adolescent

Structured screening tool for suicidal ideation and behavior with hierarchical risk stratification.

The C-SSRS (Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale) is the gold-standard screening and severity assessment tool for suicidal ideation and behavior in pediatric and adolescent populations in clinical and research settings. This evidence-based instrument evaluates both passive and active suicidal ideation, aborted attempts, interrupted attempts, and actual suicide attempts to identify youth at imminent risk. All pediatric clinicians should use structured suicide risk assessment in vulnerable populations including those with mood, behavioral, and substance use disorders.

Clinically Verified· 6 tests

For educational and informational purposes only. Verify all results before clinical application.

Wish to be dead — have you wished you were dead or wished you could go to sleep and not wake up? *

Suicidal thoughts — have you actually had any thoughts of killing yourself? *

Suicidal thoughts with method — have you been thinking about how you might do this? *

Suicidal intent — have you had these thoughts and had some intention of acting on them? *

Suicidal intent with plan — have you started to work out or worked out the details of how to kill yourself? *

Suicide behavior — have you ever done anything, started to do anything, or prepared to do anything to end your life? *

Assessment Timeframe *

References

Posner K, et al. The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale: initial validity and internal consistency findings from three multisite studies with adolescents and adults. Am J Psychiatry. 2011;168(12):1266-1277.[DOI]

Reviewed by Daniel Diaz-Gil, MD · Last updated March 2026

Medical disclaimer

This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional clinical judgment. Always independently verify results before making clinical decisions.

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