The No Harm Contract in the emergency assessment of suicidal risk

E. J. Stanford, R. R. Goetz, J. D. Bloom

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

69 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The No Harm Contract has been widely accepted in clinical practice, yet there is no broad consensus as to its value. This paper examines the contract and offers recommendations for its use as well as cautions about its misuse. Method: After a literature review, the No Harm Contract is examined from diagnostic, therapeutic, and medicolegal perspectives. Results: Diagnostically, the No Harm Contract can be used to assess the nature and severity of a patient's suicidality, uncover specific troubling issues precipitating suicidal thoughts, and evaluate the patient's competency to contract. Therapeutically, the contract affords an opportunity to initiate a therapeutic alliance, establish the limits of the psychotherapeutic framework, and reduce both patient and clinician anxiety. Medicolegally, the contract is not legally binding and grants no suicide malpractice suit protection. Conclusion: Although the No Harm Contract is a frequently used clinical tool that can provide diagnostic information and therapeutic advantage, it can also short-circuit comprehensive-suicidal assessment and disposition decisions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)344-348
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry
Volume55
Issue number8
StatePublished - 1994

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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