Mental health service use among firefighters with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

This study aimed to characterize rates and correlates of mental health service use, as well as barriers to care, among a sample of firefighters reporting a history of suicide ideation, plans, or attempts during their firefighting careers. Methods: Participants (N=483) completed a Web-based survey assessing history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, prior mental health service utilization, and barriers to treatment. Results: Overall, 77% of participants reported receipt of mental health services during their firefighting careers (attempt history, 93%; plan but no attempt, 77%; and ideation only 68%). Firefighters with fewer years of service were less likely than those with more years to have accessed treatment. Service nonusers were more likely than service users to report concerns regarding reputation and embarrassment as barriers to care. Conclusions: Findings from this preliminary investigation suggest that the majority of firefighters with a history of elevated suicide risk have received mental health services.