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Continuity of Care

Engaging youth who are at risk for suicide can be particularly challenging for several reasons:67

  • Adolescent clients are not typically self-referred for mental health treatment.
  • Adolescents in emotional distress do not always seek help from professional caregivers.
  • Many youth report that they would turn to a friend first when faced with a mental health problem.
  • Many young people in a suicidal crisis do not follow through on treatment recommendations.
  • Many others drop out of treatment prematurely.

By recognizing that there are some specific actions that can be taken to effectively assess risks for suicide and promote treatment adherence (i.e. facilitate specific and timely referrals to community based mental health services), hospital staff and community based mental health service providers can work together to develop a stronger, more integrated system that will benefit suicidal youth and their families and caregivers.

Community-hospital protocols, which represent a partnership between community-based mental health agencies and hospitals, can be developed to promote safe and effective care for suicidal youth who present at hospital emergency departments. The purpose is to ensure timely and appropriate referrals are made to community service providers.