ACTION
Unfortunately, AIBH does not have an after hours emergency or urgent crisis intervention capability. If you are in a mental health crisis, or feel like you are in a mental health crisis, please dial 911 or proceed to your nearest Emergency Room for help.
You can also CONTACT THE VETERANS HOTLINE by dialing 988.
You can also CONTACT THE VETERANS HOTLINE by dialing 988.
QPR - Question, Persuade, Refer
What Is QPR?
QPR stands for:
QPR is an evidence-based suicide prevention approach designed to help individuals recognize the warning signs of suicide, intervene supportively, and connect a person in crisis with appropriate professional help.
Often described as the mental health equivalent of CPR, QPR is intended to provide ordinary people, professionals, caregivers, educators, veterans, family members, and community leaders with practical tools to respond to someone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional crisis.
QPR is not a form of long-term psychotherapy. Instead, it is an immediate intervention model focused on recognizing risk, reducing isolation, and increasing safety until professional treatment can be obtained.
1. Question The first step is to directly and compassionately ask the individual whether they are thinking about suicide or harming themselves.
Asking directly about suicide does not increase suicidal thoughts or “put ideas into someone’s head.” Research consistently shows that asking openly and calmly can reduce shame, increase connection, and allow the individual to feel heard and supported.
During this phase, the helper also pays attention to warning signs such as:
The goal of the “Question” step is to open honest communication and assess immediate concern.
2. Persuade Once suicidal thoughts are identified, the next step is to encourage the individual to stay safe and seek help.
This involves:
Examples include:
The purpose of persuasion is not arguing, lecturing, or trying to “fix” the person’s problems immediately. Instead, it focuses on reducing isolation and increasing willingness to accept support and treatment.
3. Refer The final step is connecting the individual with appropriate professional or emergency resources.
Referrals may include:
In the United States:
QPR stands for:
- Question
- Persuade
- Refer
QPR is an evidence-based suicide prevention approach designed to help individuals recognize the warning signs of suicide, intervene supportively, and connect a person in crisis with appropriate professional help.
Often described as the mental health equivalent of CPR, QPR is intended to provide ordinary people, professionals, caregivers, educators, veterans, family members, and community leaders with practical tools to respond to someone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional crisis.
QPR is not a form of long-term psychotherapy. Instead, it is an immediate intervention model focused on recognizing risk, reducing isolation, and increasing safety until professional treatment can be obtained.
1. Question The first step is to directly and compassionately ask the individual whether they are thinking about suicide or harming themselves.
Asking directly about suicide does not increase suicidal thoughts or “put ideas into someone’s head.” Research consistently shows that asking openly and calmly can reduce shame, increase connection, and allow the individual to feel heard and supported.
During this phase, the helper also pays attention to warning signs such as:
- Hopelessness
- Withdrawal or isolation
- Severe emotional distress
- Talking about death or being a burden
- Giving away possessions
- Increased substance use
- Sudden mood changes
- Previous suicide attempts
The goal of the “Question” step is to open honest communication and assess immediate concern.
2. Persuade Once suicidal thoughts are identified, the next step is to encourage the individual to stay safe and seek help.
This involves:
- Listening without judgment
- Remaining calm and supportive
- Expressing care and concern
- Reinforcing hope
- Encouraging the person not to remain alone
- Asking them to accept professional assistance
Examples include:
- “I’m glad you told me.”
- “You do not have to go through this alone.”
- “Help is available.”
- “Let’s connect you with someone who can help.”
The purpose of persuasion is not arguing, lecturing, or trying to “fix” the person’s problems immediately. Instead, it focuses on reducing isolation and increasing willingness to accept support and treatment.
3. Refer The final step is connecting the individual with appropriate professional or emergency resources.
Referrals may include:
- Mental health counselors
- Clinical Social Workers
- Clinical Psychologists
- Crisis stabilization services
- Emergency departments
- Psychiatrists
- Veterans Crisis Line
- Community mental health agencies
- Mobile crisis teams
In the United States:
- Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Veterans can press 1 after calling 988 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line