Suicide Care for Physical and Occupational Therapists (2025)
Presented by Susan H. Eastgard and Jeffrey Sung
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How can physical and occupational therapists play a role in suicide care? By learning the steps of screening and referral for suicide risk, therapists can partner with their patients to start the path to recovery. This course presents the steps of screening and referral for suicide risk and offers case examples for reflection and practice. With knowledge and skills in suicide prevention, physical and occupational therapists will be better prepared to guide patients at risk of suicide towards recovery, addressing both physical and psychosocial barriers to well-being.
Meet your instructors
Susan H. Eastgard
Sue Eastgard is a nationally recognized expert in the field of suicide prevention. She has worked on mental health issues for 30+ years as a clinician, manager, and director of crisis services and suicide prevention efforts. She is currently working as the Director of Training for Forefront, a suicide prevention education…
Jeffrey Sung
Jeffrey C. Sung, MD, is an acting instructor with the University of Washington Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Since 2002, his clinical responsibilities have included direct service and consultation in the care of individuals facing homelessness, medical illness, substance use, and psychiatric conditions. He…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Introduction and Overview
This chapter reviews the legislative and clinical rationale for training physical and occupational therapists in suicide care. As therapists often form strong relationships with patients and work closely with individuals at risk of suicide, training in screening and referral for suicide risk empowers them to partner with patients in addressing these risks. This chapter introduces the suicidal process and provides guidance on attitudes and approaches to effectively engage patients at risk.
2. Knowledge About Suicide
Understanding suicide risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs is foundational for intervention. This chapter reviews current statistics related to suicide and provides therapists with evidence-based knowledge to inform their screening practices. Physical and occupational therapists will learn how these factors manifest in their patients and how they can guide initial intervention strategies.
3. Screening for Suicide Risk
This chapter provides practical guidance on when and how to ask about suicide risk. By recognizing risk factors and warning signs, therapists can initiate conversations that convey care and confidence. Both physical and occupational therapists are encouraged to reflect on their own responses to suicide risk and build the necessary skills to ask direct questions in a compassionate and therapeutic manner.
4. Connectedness
Connectedness plays a critical role in suicide prevention. This chapter highlights evidence-based strategies to foster connectedness between therapists and patients, as well as among patients and their support networks. By emphasizing the therapeutic relationship, physical and occupational therapists can help reduce the sense of isolation often experienced by individuals at risk.
5. Managing Access to Lethal Means
Reducing access to lethal means is a key component of suicide prevention. This chapter reviews research on how the method of suicide attempts affects outcomes and offers guidance on counseling patients to manage access to lethal means. Therapists will learn how to collaborate with patients and their support systems to enhance safety planning.
6. Referring for Help
Referral completes the process of screening and intervention. This chapter provides an overview of available resources, including mental health services, crisis support, and community programs, and offers guidance on how therapists can effectively connect patients with these supports. The chapter also explores strategies for building a network of referral sources tailored to the needs of the patient population.
7. Suicide Loss Survivor Summary
This chapter addresses the unique needs of suicide loss survivors, including patients who have experienced the loss of a loved one or therapists dealing with their own experiences. It offers practical tools and resources to support these individuals. The chapter concludes with a summary of the screening and referral process, reinforcing how physical and occupational therapists can contribute to suicide prevention and patient recovery.