When a teacher reports a student is contemplating suicide, what should the school counselor do first?

When a teacher reports that a student is contemplating suicide, the most critical first action for the school counselor is to ensure that the student is supervised and not left alone. This step is paramount because the immediate safety of the student is the highest priority. Maintaining supervision allows for real-time assessment of the student's safety and provides a supportive presence until further help can be arranged.

In situations involving suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to mitigate any immediate risks that could result in self-harm. By keeping the student in a safe, supervised environment, the counselor can gather more information about the situation and ensure the student feels supported. This approach also allows the counselor to engage in initial crisis intervention while determining the appropriate next steps, such as notifying parents or connecting the student with mental health support.

The other options, while important, do not address the immediate risk the student may be facing. Referring the student to a mental health professional or calling the parents are necessary actions but should occur only after ensuring the student is safe and under supervision. Sending the student to class would not only put them at risk, but it could also exacerbate their situation and lead to further emotional distress.