Original Research Prim Care Companion CNS Disord November 2025

Impact of Patient Suicide on Mental Health Professionals

PCC CNS Disord 2025;27(6):10.4088/PCC.25m03995

Full Article Read the complete peer-reviewed article in Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. PCC CNS Disord 2025;27(6):10.4088/PCC.25m03995 Clinical Summary A patient suicide is not a rare event in mental health practice, and its impact can extend well beyond immediate grief to affect clinicians’ confidence, coping, and career decisions. This study highlights how often mental health professionals face this experience, where support is falling short, and what training and postvention resources clinicians say they need. FAQ How common was it for mental health professionals in this study to have experienced a patient's suicide? 11 questions
Key Takeaways In this sample, 51% of respondents had experienced a patient suicide, indicating that post-suicide support planning should be treated as a routine workforce need rather than a rare event. 6 takeaways Clinical Guide How should clinicians and services respond to support a mental health professional after a patient suicide? 7 steps Clinical Guide How should clinicians structure a reflective review after a patient suicide to identify potentially modifiable care issues? 6 steps
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