The author highlights the challenges of working with suicidal adolescents who are often resistant to treatment & provides a step-by-step model for treatment. Responsibilities of the psychotherapist are identified, with emphasis on the need for maintaining a presence in the life of the suicidal adolescent. Issues of confidentiality are discussed, as are various psychotherapeutic approaches. Suggestions for the successful termination of treatment are provided, along with recommendations for coping with patient death. (41 refs)