Assessing Suicide Risk in Children: Guidelines for Developmentally Appropriate Interviewing

Abstract

Although suicide is considered a leading cause of death for all age groups, resources and recommendations regarding methods of assessment of suicide risk in children appears to be scattered across related disciplines. Most risk assessment measures for "youth" are intended for use with adolescents, and the nature of children's developmental functioning presents particular challenges for accurate assessment. This article includes a brief review of risk factors and recommendations for preparing to conduct suicide risk assessments with children. Guidelines for mental health counselors who conduct developmentally appropriate risk assessments with children are detailed, and suggestions for consulting with caregivers are provided.