Urgent concerns escalation pathway (Associate Handbook)
Purpose
Give associates a clear, calm pathway when something feels urgent or high-risk.
If your concern is not urgent (clinical uncertainty, boundary concern, ethical question, admin concern), please follow:
What counts as “urgent”
Examples (non-exhaustive):
- Building / facilities emergencies (in-person):
- fire / smoke
- flood / active water leak
- earthquake or other structural safety concern
- any situation where the physical space is not safe for clients/staff
- Client medical emergencies:
- injury
- acute illness/distress where medical support may be needed
- loss of consciousness, chest pain, severe allergic reaction, etc.
- Psychological emergencies / imminent risk:
- active intent to harm (self or others)
- imminent self-harm
- imminent suicidality (intent with plan/means and near-term timeframe)
- imminent homicidal intent or threat toward an identifiable person
- intent to harm a minor or vulnerable person
If you are unsure whether something “counts,” please treat it as urgent and escalate.
What to do (step-by-step)
- Ensure immediate safety as appropriate.
- Contact Katherine for urgent client concerns.
- Document what you did and why (in JaneApp notes) according to clinic standards.
- If needed: follow local emergency pathways (e.g., emergency services).
Who to contact
- Urgent clinical concerns: Katherine
-
Admin/logistics: admin
- Katherine phone: 604-787-4008
- Katherine email: katherine@headandheartcounselling.com
- Admin phone: 604-787-4008
- Admin email: info@headandheartcounselling.com
- Building emergencies/concerns: please text Frank at
604-729-8408.
Notes
- Use professional judgment; when in doubt, escalate early.
- If the issue is a facilities/office emergency, please also follow:
- If something breaks / supplies run out (section: “Office emergency (urgent)”)
- Building emergencies — Reliance Properties contacts