Coercive actions in order to prevent a patient’s suicide are discussed. Such involuntary actions, while they may save a patient’s life, are degrading and thus should be avoided when possible. The patient’s competency in weighing risks affects the kind of treatment they receive. Utilizing involuntary means may reduce a person’s short-term risk but aggravates the treatment for decreasing long-term risk. A collaborative therapeutic relationship is more effective than a coercive one.