Year: 2008 Source: Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, v.53, no.3, (March 2008), p.169-176 SIEC No: 20080393

This study determined the extent to which no-suicide agreements are used by outpatient mental health therapists in a Canadian urban health region. Therapists’ perceptions & practices surrounding their use are described. 312 therapists completed surveys. No-suicide agreements were used by 83% although 43% had no formal training in their use. Among those who had used no-suicide agreements, 31% reported having had at least one patient attempt or complete suicide while an agreement was in place. It is concluded practitioners might benefit from increased formal training opportunities in the use & legal implications of no-suicide agreements. (25 refs.)