A Rapid-Response Outpatient Model for Reducing Hospitalization Rates Among Suicidal Adolescents

The authors studied the clinical outcomes of suicidal adolescents who were treated within a rapid-response outpatient model in a setting in which a 10-day wait was usually required before outpatient treatment could be started, leaving hospitalization as the only immediately available alternative. Findings suggest that suicidal adolescents can be treated effectively within a rapid-response outpatient model & thus avoid hospitalization. (28 refs)