Emotional and physical safety are essential to your mental health journey. That’s why creating a personalized safety plan can be a powerful step toward feeling more secure and in control. Many providers will never require a safety plan for their clients. However, if you are interested in creating one or your provider has requested that you complete a safety plan form, this resource outlines the purpose and value of honestly and accurately creating one.
🚨 Crisis Resources: If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate support, call 911 or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling, texting, or chatting 988. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. You can find more emergency resources here.
Frequently asked questions
Safety plan basics
What is a safety plan? A safety plan is a personalized guide designed to help you stay safe during emotional distress or crisis. It outlines steps, coping strategies, and people or resources you can turn to. Think of it as a mental health “emergency plan” you prepare in advance to support yourself when you need it most.
Why is a safety plan important? A safety plan helps you stay safe and grounded during emotional crises. It gives you a step-by-step guide to follow when thinking clearly feels difficult and reminds you that you’re not alone.
Who is a safety plan for? While safety plans can be helpful for anyone, they may be especially important if:
You have suicidal thoughts or urges to self-harm.
You struggle with overwhelming emotions or panic attacks.
You are working through a mental health crisis or have a history of crises.
Creating a safety plan
How do I create a safety plan? You can create your own or work with your provider to write one together. To complete a safety plan independently, you can download confidential apps to your phone, such as the Suicide Safety Plan (Apple: link, Android: link), or print a paper version like this one.
If your provider asks you to complete a safety plan, you’ll either walk through the process during a session or receive an email request. To create your safety plan via email, follow these steps:
Open the "Action Required: Complete a safety plan..." email.
Locate and click the "Complete safety plan" link.
This will open the safety plan in a new window. After carefully answering each question, click "Submit" in the upper right corner to send it to your provider.
Accessing your safety plan
How do I access my safety plan? After you complete and submit your safety plan, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a copy of your plan. To save it:
Open the confirmation email and scroll to the bottom.
Click "Download safety plan" to download a PDF version to your device.
Storing & sharing your plan
Where should I keep my safety plan? Keep your safety plan somewhere easy to access—especially during moments of high distress. Good options include your phone, wallet, or a visible spot like your refrigerator.
Can I share my safety plan? Yes, if it feels safe and helpful to do so. Sharing it with your mental health provider and loved ones, like a parent, guardian, partner, or friend, can make it easier for them to support you in a time of need.
Updating your safety plan
How often should I update it? Your safety plan should evolve with you. Regular updates help ensure it stays relevant and useful. Consider reviewing it after a crisis, when your circumstances or support network change, or during routine check-ins with your provider.
How do I update my safety plan? To update your safety plan, contact your provider through the client portal. They’ll send you a new link to revise your existing plan.