The Importance of Screening for Suicide Risk in Telehealth

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (theactionalliance.org) announces the launch of a new video, "The Importance of Screening for Suicide Risk in Telehealth." This brief video by two subject matter experts, Dr. Greg Simon, MD, a psychiatrist and mental health services researcher at Kaiser Permanente Washington, and Dr. David Jobes, PhD, psychologist and mental health services researcher at The Catholic University of America, emphasizes the importance of suicide risk screening and care planning in telehealth services.
“Over 14 million Americans have serious thoughts of suicide each year.” - Dr. David Jobes, PhD
“If we are better in identifying and treating suicide ideation, we’d have fewer attempts and fewer completions downstream.” - Dr. David Jobes, PhD
“Screening helps identify risk early, so we can intervene effectively.” - Dr. Greg Simon, MD
“[Screening for suicide risk] is similar to measuring blood pressure in people with heart disease. It’s trying to identify people who may be at risk over the next few months.” - Dr. Greg Simon, MD
“Screening for suicide risk before a telehealth visit can alert the provider to potential risk, so they can conduct a further assessment and provide better care.” - Dr. Greg Simon, MD