Treatment for Suicidal Ideation

Course overview

Suicide, suicide attempts, self-harm, and suicidal ideation are significant public health concerns in young people. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 in the United States, and suicide attempts are significantly higher among youth, compared to adults. As a result, health care professionals are being asked to focus on suicide prevention and related treatment. With that in mind, this course reviews the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) guide, entitled Treatment for Suicidal Ideation, Self-harm, and Suicide Attempts Among Youth, to promote the prevention and treatment of suicidal ideation, self-harm, and suicide attempts among adolescents and young adult patients. Author: This publication was developed with a significant contribution from Mary Cwik, Ph.D., and Leigh Fischer, MPH. The guidance is based on the thoughtful input of SAMHSA staff and the Expert Panel on Treatment for Suicidal Ideation, SelfHarm, and Suicide Attempts Among Youth from October 2019 through September 2020. A series of guide development meetings were held virtually over a period of several months.