Reply to What would a therapist due if they suspect their client is suicidal?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]The first thing they'd do is ASK the patient more questions. I have wanted to die since I was about seven years old. I've been to like four or five therapists over the last 40 years. Never been hospitalized.[/quote]

+1 no one answering seems to be a therapist as these answers are incredibly more extreme than the reality for most. Therapists talk with patients who have suicidal ideation all the time, the vast majority of the time it does not lead to a hospitalization and it is really rare for when it does for it to be involuntary. There is no “reporting” like the pps keep saying, it’s not like mandatory reporting with child protective services.

The first question is to assess for safety - it is not uncommon to have suicidal ideation during a depressive episode and in most cases does not indicate hospitalization is needed. The therapist would explore whether the person has a plan and whether they intend to harm themselves. If the patient has a plan and intent and the therapist based on usually extensive conversation feels the person is at IMMINENT risk they will encourage the patient that hospitalization may be the best option. Involuntary is only used in the rare situation where patient is an imminent risk to self or others and does not want to go voluntarily and even then patient can only go for 72 hrs before a judge decides next steps.

Please know most therapists it is completely safe to have conversations about what you are dealing with, they want to work WITH you and they understand how to assess risk. [/quote]

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