Which safety plan is commonly used for patients at imminent risk of self-harm?

In the context of protecting patients at imminent risk of self-harm, seclusion can serve as a safety plan that removes the individual from their immediate environment, helping to prevent harm. This approach is often considered necessary in acute situations where a patient's safety cannot otherwise be ensured. By placing the individual in a controlled environment, clinicians can closely monitor them, provide immediate support, and create time for further evaluation and intervention without the risk of self-injury.

While medication adjustments, therapeutic interventions, and family counseling are important components of a broader treatment plan, they are not always immediate or suitable responses to acute risk situations. These interventions typically require more time, potentially leaving the individual vulnerable during a crisis. Seclusion, by contrast, acts as a direct and immediate safety measure, helping to stabilize the individual in an urgent context.