Suicide remains one of the most difficult topics mental health professionals face in clinical practice. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10–34 in 2023, and it ranked among the top eight causes of death for people ages 10–64. Despite these sobering numbers, many clinicians feel underprepared to initiate conversations about suicide with their clients. Knowing how to break that silence, and what to do when clients are in crisis, is an essential skill for any practitioner.

Why clinicians hesitate

A common fear among therapists is that asking about suicide will plant the idea in a client's mind. Research does not support this myth. In reality, many cli...