Identity-Specific De-escalation Checklist

Specialized Triage Reference for Practitioners

LGBTQ+ Populations

Key Indicator:

Client mentions "not being seen," "being a burden," or "family rejection" specifically tied to gender/orientation.

Intervention Protocol:

• Immediate Affirmation: Use name/pronouns immediately upon disclosure.
• Validation: Explicitly state that their identity is not the problem, but the environment's reaction to it.
• Safe Resource: Referral to The Trevor Project (Youth) or Trans Lifeline (Adults).

Key Indicator:

Client uses military jargon (e.g., "mission," "unit," "MOS") or expresses feelings of "moral injury" or "failure to adapt."

Intervention Protocol:

• Direct Communication: Use clear, mission-oriented language. Avoid "over-empathizing" early on.
• Peer Bridging: Ask, "Would you like to speak with another veteran?" if available.
• Specialized Referral: Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, then Press 1).

Before making a referral to a specialized line, ask these three vetting questions:

1

"Is this crisis related to your identity or community experience?"

Determines if specialized clinical training is required vs. general support.

2

"Would you feel safer talking to someone with shared lived experience?"

Determines the value of a "Peer Support" model over a "Clinical" model.

3

"Have you had negative experiences with general crisis systems in the past?"

Identifies "systemic trauma" that may prevent engagement with 988/911.