Youth Suicide

Suicide risk in youth is one of the most challenging treatment areas for therapists. Despite the fact that suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10–24 and the growing need for clinicians who are well trained in youth suicide risk management, therapists often do not receive adequate education and training in this area. With the goal of providing clear, helpful, and evidence-based guidance, this chapter focuses on presenting an overview of (a) current language and definitions related to youth suicide, (b) systemic factors and models of youth suicide risk, (c) theory, and (d) known elements of effective treatment, including risk management, safety planning, important common factors in effective treatment, and specific intervention models. The chapter closes with commentary on implications for policy and directions to additional educational and training resources.