This article presents a brief overview of a management strategy that can be implemented with a patient who has attempted suicide. The author suggests the clinician needs to complete an evaluation of the patient within 48 hours, including a full psychiatric history & mental state examination. Information should be elicited on risk factors in the patient’s life & the motivation for the attempt. With this information, the clinician can then decide whether the patient needs to be admitted to hospital or whether discharge with or without follow-up is appropriate. (2 refs.)