Youth Suicide Prevention in Primary Care.

Abstract

Purpose: Youth suicide and suicidality are significant public health concerns, with rates continuing to rise. Suicidality can be chronic, requiring ongoing management and support. The current article presents a case study exploring the chronicity of suicidality, mental health workforce challenges, and the critical role of primary care in youth suicide prevention.

Method: Evidence-based practices for how primary care providers can screen, assess, intervene, and follow up with youth experiencing suicidality and their families are presented.

Results: Recommended solutions to address the suicide prevention gaps in primary care, including workforce education and training, care integration, and expansion of care delivery models, are offered.

Conclusion: Youth suicide prevention is the responsibility of all care providers and requires a coordinated approach across a child's entire system of care. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(x), xx-xx.].