Hospitalization of the suicidal patient

The safety needs of the suicidal patient are of the utmost importance. Decisions concerning the admission of such patients into the hospital are often difficult, and clinicians usually are anxious and ambivalent during this process. In this era of decreased resources, when clinicians are increasingly aware of suicidal danger and of safety requirements, it is even more critical that the inpatient psychiatric unit be used judiciously. There are risks and benefits involved in the use of a psychiatric inpatient program, and there are risks and benefits to not using such a facility. Development of safe treatment plans for suicidal patients is reviewed in the context of the psychodynamic formulation and therapeutic alliance.