What constitutes a 'high-risk' patient in mental health settings?

In mental health settings, a 'high-risk' patient is typically identified by their potential to engage in harmful behaviors, either towards themselves or others. A patient exhibiting suicidal ideation or violent behaviors meets this definition, as these indicators signify an immediate and significant risk that requires urgent intervention. Such behaviors can include expressing thoughts of self-harm, planning suicide, exhibiting aggression, or making threats of violence, all of which are critical warning signs of severe mental distress or psychiatric conditions that necessitate close monitoring and advanced care.

The other options do not capture the essence of what defines a high-risk patient in this context. A patient with no history of mental health issues does not inherently present a risk; similarly, a patient with chronic illnesses might have physical health concerns but does not necessarily indicate a mental health crisis. Finally, a patient seeking therapy for stress management represents a proactive approach to mental health without the immediate danger that would categorize someone as high-risk. Thus, the characteristics of suicidal ideation or violent behaviors are key indicators for classifying a patient as high-risk in mental health settings.