Evaluation and Management of Suicidal Persons (IN: The Psychology of Suicide, by E S Shneidman, N L Farberow, & R E Litman)

This is the Los Angeles SPC training manual designed primarily to teach volunteers the techniques of telephone evaluation & emergency management. 3 main characteristics of the suicidal situation are discussed: crisis, ambivalence & the communication of feelings of hopelessness & helplessness. Based upon a set of basic principles for suicide prevention, a step-by-step procedure for evaluating suicidal potentiality is outlined & illustrated with a number of typical phone calls for help.