Patients, especially patients with suicidal thoughts, need an interview that feels like an alliance being built. Professionals who are matter-of-fact, earnest, connected, and seem like they are truly interested are going to be the most helpful.

You can read more on suicide from Dr Khan and Mrs Fuad here.

Dr Khan is Medical Director, Psychiatric Services, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Dover, NH; Mrs Fuad is Master of Science candidate, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.