An integrative conceptual framework for assessing and treating suicidal behavior in adolescents

Suicidal adolescents represent a uniquely demanding clinical population. Regardless of psychotherapeutic orientation, the existing standards of care demand a relatively broad and integrative approach with multiple and specific treatment targets, as well as ongoing and repeated risk assessment. The current article provides an integrative conceptual framework for these tasks in day to day clinical practice with essentially two goals: (1) to provide a summary of therapeutic and assessment tasks (i.e. the content of therapy and assessment) consistent with existing standards of care and supported by empirical findings, and (2) to emphasize the varied roles, tasks, demands and limitations of psychotherapy with suicidal adolescents. (C) 1998 The Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents.