Preventing Suicide in Forensic Settings: Assessment and Intervention for Inmates With Serious Mental Illness

Suicide is one of the leading causes of inmate deaths in correctional settings. Furthermore, there is heightened risk for suicide among individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI) who present in jails and prisons. In the present article, the authors review suicide risk factors associated with SMI, with emphasis on incarcerated individuals, and discuss the best practices in assessing risk for suicide. The authors review interventions designed to prevent suicide among individuals with SMI in forensic settings. The article also points to the need for continued research to inform the development of assessment tools and intervention strategies for this population.