Using the Linehan Risk Assessment and Management Protocol With a Chronically Suicidal Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

The Linehan Risk Assessment and Management Protocol (LRAMP) is an empirically supported, comprehensive framework used to assess suicide risk and protective factors, and provide a guide for the therapist to consider reasonable options for intervening on suicidal behavior. This protocol includes a structured checklist for assessing, managing, and documenting suicide risk. It also structures the documentation to clearly describe the presentation, assessment, in-session interventions, decision-making process, and follow-up to other members of the treatment team. This paper describes a case in which the LRAMP was used to guide the assessment, intervention, and documentation of the suicidal behavior of a patient, “Ann,” being treated with outpatient Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in a community mental health clinic. Each section of the LRAMP is discussed as it was used with this complex patient, who had history of high utilization of acute psychiatric services. Application of the LRAMP included the assessment of risk and protective factors, and the use of an individualized crisis plan that engaged the patient, her family, the therapist, and the clinical team, to decrease acute risk, continue outpatient treatment, and avoid inpatient hospitalization. The considerations for documenting clinical decision-making with chronically suicidal patients are discussed.