Suicide Screening and Behavioral Health Assessment in the Emergency Department

Suicide is a leading cause of death among our young patients. Healthcare providers in acute care settings like the emergency department have an opportunity to identify and intervene with those at risk in order to prevent death from suicide, future psychiatric emergencies, and the considerable morbidity that patients with unmet behavioral health needs experience. This article describes the current state of depression and suicide among young people and the strategies for implementing and improving screening in the emergency department. Finally, the article will articulate how to prepare for the challenges that emergency care providers face, as we work to reduce barriers for all patients to access behavioral health resources and receive needed care.