Suicide Resources
Social workers in health care setting encounter people who are at risk for suicide or individuals who have attempted suicide and their families.
Thus, social worker's need to be able to identify those who are at risk, to intervene when an attempt has been made, and to assist the families and friends of these individuals.
Intervention with those at risk
Assistance to families and friends includes links to brochures to give to patients and their family.
The American Association of Suicidology maintains a listing of support groups for families and friends of individuals who have committed suicide.
Evidence Based Practice Information
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has information online about evidence based prevention programs. It appears that this is no longer going to be updated after January 2005.
Another source of evidence based information is through the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP), under the direction of the Science to Service Office, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. NREPP is a voluntary rating and classification system for substance abuse and mental health prevention and treatment interventions. It seeks to provide contemporary and reliable information on the scientific basis and practicality of substance abuse and mental health promotion and treatment programs. http://modelprograms.samhsa.gov/template.cfm?page=nreppover
Bibliography - Further Readings
Jacobs, D. G. (Ed.). (1999). The Harvard Medical School guide to suicide assessment and intervention. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Comprehensive and thorough treatment of this topic. Available through the Taubman Medical Library or the Graduate Library on the U of M campus.
Lester, D. (Ed.) (2002). Crisis intervention and counseling by telephone. Sringfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas. Long overdue updated second edition of 1973 classic is still the best source on telephone crisis intervention.
Rudd, M. D., Joiner, T., & Rajab, M. H. (2001). Treating suicidal behavior: An effective, time-limited approach. New York: Guilford. Detailed empirically based assessment, crisis intervention and treatment manual, emphasizing a cognitive-behavioral model.
Shea, S. C. (1999). The practice of suicide assessment: A guide for mental health professionals and substance abuse counselors. New York: John Wiley & Sons. An excellent practical source that contains detailed guidelines and verbatim examples for assessing suicide risk.