Research on no-suicide contracts (frequency surveys, assessments of behaviour after contracting, & opinions of users) has limitations common to naturalistic studies, & is now ready for more rigorous methods. Mental health professions should be trained to deal with suicidal individuals, including how to use no-suicide contracts. Good contracts are specific, individualized, collaborative, positive, context-sensitive, & copied. However, they are not a thorough assessment, a guarantee against legal liability, nor a substitute for a caring, sensitive therapeutic interaction. (48 refs)