Roughly forty-five percent of individuals who commit suicide Make contact with a primary medical provider in the month prior to their death; nearly twenty percent make contact within one day of their death. This practical guide demonstrates how the primary care settingùan increasingly important provider of mental health treatmentùcan be an effective place for preventing suicide and providing ameliorative care. Firmly grounded in the clinical realities of primary care, Bryan and Rudd address the key issues that often plague behavioral health consultants (BHCs) in such settings where appointments are brief, patient contact is limited, and decision making and treatment are collaborative. They offer effective strategies for BHCs to manage patients across a suicidal crisis beginning with the development of procedures prior to crisis, steps to take during a crisis, planning for post-crisis care, transition to specialty mental health facilities, and legal issues. -Targets techniques for suicide assessment and prevention in primary care settings. -Addresses the clinical realities of working in a primary care setting and how to; adapt them to the needs of suicidal patients. -Covers clinical protocols, legal issues, and risk management. -Discusses the formation of collaborative relationships with patients and staff. -Provides brief interventions with suicidal patients and post-crisis strategies.

Why primary care? -- The behavioral health consultant model -- Foundations for effective clinical care -- Accurate and brief risk assessment -- Strategies for managing suicide risk in primary care -- Brief interventions for suicidal patients -- Preparing for crises -- Consulting with primary care staff -- Special concerns with suicidal patients in primary care -- Legal issues in the management of suicide risk in primary care.