Abstract
Evidence-based suggestions for developing an effective clinician-client relationship
built upon trust and honesty will be shared, as well as a review of relevant scope
of practice issues for audiologists. Audiologists need to be prepared if a patient
threatens self-harm. Many patients do not spontaneously report their suicidal thoughts
and intentions to their care providers, so we need to be alert to warning signs. Information
about the strongest predictors of suicide, how to ask about suicidal intentions, and
how to assess the risk of suicide will be presented. Although it is our responsibility
to recognize suicidal tendencies and have a plan for preventive intervention, it is
not our responsibility to conduct a suicide evaluation. Tips for collecting critical
information to be provided to qualified professionals will be shared, as well as additional
information about how and to whom to disclose this information. A list of suicide
warning signs will be reviewed as well as some additional suggestions for how to react
when a patient discloses his or her suicidal intent. A review of available resources
(for both the patient and the clinician) will be provided, along with instructions
for how and when it is appropriate to access them.
Keywords
Suicide - self-harm - risk signs - crisis resources
