Suicide Prevention Strategies: What Providers Can Do

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide remains one of the most significant public health challenges, and providers who work with others every day (e.g., residential staff, service coordinators, social workers, direct support workers, etc.) are often in the position to notice warning signs and intervene. The article“Suicide Prevention Strategies: A Systematic Review” (Mann et al., JAMA, 2005) contains key takeaways that are especially relevant to work across residential, clinical, and community settings. 

Many individuals who die by suicide have recently seen a healthcare provider; however, their risk wasn’t noticed. This highlights the importance of collaboration between behavioral health and medical providers. Providers can support this by:

• Asking about depression and substance use. 

• Sharing behavioral assessments with doctors.

• Building safety planning into regular check-ins. 

Evidence shows that effective treatment of psychiatric disorders reduces suicide risk. Antidepressants, lithium (a mood stabilizer), and clozapine (an antipsychotic) have documented benefits, while therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) decrease attempts and suicidal ideation. As providers, we can:

• Teach coping skills like grounding exercises, create coping boxes, and make a visual “menu” of different coping strategies that can be used 

• Monitor for adherence and side effects when medications are prescribed.

• Incorporate trauma-informed and skills-based interventions into care.

Reducing access to lethal means is one of the strongest protective factors. In practice, this can mean:

• Locking medications, chemicals, sharps, and firearms.

• Supervise closely during periods of escalation.

• Conducting environmental safety checks in homes and programs.

After a suicide attempt, the risk of reattempt is highest in the days and weeks that follow. Simple, structured follow-up saves lives. Providers can:

• Schedule check-ins (calls, texts, visits) post-crisis.

• Create clear recovery-phase plans, not just crisis protocols.

• Support staff in recognizing when someone is out of immediate danger but not fully back to baseline.

In conclusion, the strategies with the strongest evidence (clinical collaboration, restricting access to lethal means, psychotherapy/psychopharmacology, and staying involved after an attempt) are also the ones most accessible to us as providers. By weaving these into our daily practices, collaborating across disciplines, and staying attentive to both risk and recovery, we can make meaningful impacts in suicide prevention.

Reference: “Suicide Prevention Strategies: A Systematic Review” (Mann et al., JAMA, 2005)

Crisis & Help Resources (Oregon & National)

Resource	Contact/Info	Notes
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline	Call, text, or chat 988 (available 24/7)	Confidential support for crisis, suicidal ideation, and emotional distress:  https://988lifeline.org/
Oregon Health Authority Crisis Lines	Oregon county crisis numbers and general access via state resources	Search by county, local crisis line numbers: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/preventionwellness/safeliving/suicideprevention/pages/crisislines.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Lines for Life Oregon	24/7 support via phone, text, or chat through 988, plus other helplines (YouthLine, Oregon HopeLine, Senior Loneliness Line, etc.)	Oregon’s nonprofit hub for suicide prevention and mental health support: https://www.linesforlife.org/
Multnomah County Behavioral Health Crisis Services	24/7 call center; urgent walk-in clinic, mobile crisis, interpretation services:  https://multco.us/info/behavioral-health-resource-center	Good for clients in Portland/Multnomah County.
AFSP Oregon (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)	Offers prevention programs, public education, materials, local support, etc. https://afsp.org/chapter/oregon	Good for referrals, community awareness, and grief support.

Important Disclosure:

This article addresses sensitive topics, including suicide. It is provided strictly for informational and research purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or clinical advice.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or self-harm, please seek immediate assistance from a qualified mental health professional. In the U.S., you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24/7.

Samantha Easton, LCSW, Behavior Consultant and Clinical Director, Miren Behavior