We tell virtually every suicidal person to do it. It's part of most suicide prevention campaigns: "See a therapist." And yet, the majority of mental health professionals have minimal to no formal training in how to effectively treat suicidal people. usatoday.com/in-depth/news/…
"People think if you send someone, a loved one, to a therapist, that therapist will be skilled in how to address ... their risk for suicide. Nothing could be farther from the truth,” said Paul Quinnett, a clinical psychologist.
More than 48,000 thousand people died by suicide in 2018. But that number belies the scope of the problem. In 2017, more than 10 million adults thought seriously about suicide, more than 3 million made a plan and more than 1 million attempted. 
Suicidal people are suffering. But many of the professionals they’re encouraged to seek out are not prepared to help them.
Suicide-specific training is not commonly offered as part of college curriculums, optional post-graduate training opportunities are limited, costly and time-consuming, and experts say some therapists may not be aware they even need education.
Many therapists panic when they realize they have a suicidal patient. They fear:
-That their patient will die in their care.
-That they don't have enough training to help them.
-That they'll get sued.
-That they'll lose their license.
-That their patient will die in their care.
-That they don't have enough training to help them.
-That they'll get sued.
-That they'll lose their license.
Ethically, therapists are stuck. Many want to help, but they don’t know how. Out of fear, some send their patients to emergency rooms or hospitalize them involuntarily, which research shows can increase a person's risk of suicide.
Experts say better training is needed so therapists can effectively treat their patients, but also so that therapists can make sure they're practicing their own self-care.
"Unless you seek out on your own specialized training, and most people do not get this, it will become exquisitely painful for you and impact your well-being,” @DocForeman said of treating suicidal patients.
If you’re suicidal and want to talk to a mental health professional, experts say there are things you can do to increase your odds of finding a good fit.
-Prepare for it to take time
-Look for someone with suicide-specific training, such as DBT or CAMS
-If you can find a psychiatrist, do it
-Look for someone with suicide-specific training, such as DBT or CAMS
-If you can find a psychiatrist, do it
-If you're suicidal, consider not saying that right off the bat
-Find a buddy to help you through the process
-Don't despair, there are other options such as online and peer support.
usatoday.com/in-depth/news/…
-Find a buddy to help you through the process
-Don't despair, there are other options such as online and peer support.
usatoday.com/in-depth/news/…
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night.
