What is the primary goal of establishing a safety plan in therapeutic settings?

The primary goal of establishing a safety plan in therapeutic settings is to prevent harm to the patient. A safety plan is a collaborative tool designed to identify triggers, coping strategies, and resources that the patient can utilize during times of crisis or distress. By doing so, it aims to reduce the risk of self-harm or harm to others, thereby enhancing the patient's overall safety and well-being.

While having a support system, encouraging adherence to therapy, and creating a comfortable environment are important elements of therapeutic practice, they serve to support the broader goals of treatment rather than the immediate objective of a safety plan. The focus of a safety plan is directly on risk assessment and harm prevention, ensuring that the patient can manage or avert crises effectively.