The objective of this article is to provide family physicians with an approach to youth suicide prevention. A literature review was performed. Youth suicide might be prevented by earlier recognition & treatment of mental illness. Family physicians can & should screen for mental illness in youth; there are many diagnostic & treatment resources available to assist with this. It is concluded that earlier detection & treatment of mental illness are the most important ways family physicians can reduce morbidity & mortality for youth contemplating suicide. (44 refs.) JA