Conversations with Families About Suicide Prevention and Safe Firearm Storage

September is Suicide Prevention Month and a timely reminder that there are many ways providers can help identify and support youth who are struggling with mental health issues and suicidal ideation. 

Ways Providers Can Help

Provider training:

Provider tool:

  • Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) is a tool that healthcare providers can use for suicide prevention with patient families. It is a civil court order that prevents individuals from harming themselves or others by temporarily denying access to firearms. Providers cannot file an ERPO directly, but they may consult on cases and discuss guidance for how to support families (like a consult on safety planning and connecting with mental health services) by contacting [email protected], 206-477-1201.

Patient and family education:

For more information, contact Suicide and Injury Prevention Program Manager Isabell Sakamoto at [email protected].

Finding Mental Health Care: Options in English and Spanish

Seattle Children’s class, “Finding Mental Health Care in Washington State: A Class on Where to Start,” is available in Spanish as well as English this month, on Sept. 21. The class will be offered virtually (on Zoom) and includes a question-and-answer session.

Cost: Free

When: Sept. 21, 6 to 7 p.m. (Separate Spanish and English sessions offered at the same time)

Topics: Participants will learn about:

  • The various types of outpatient mental health treatment and providers
  • Locating mental health resources based on insurance coverage (Medicaid and commercial or private insurance)
  • More intensive services and how to access them, as well as long-term care such as residential treatment
  • Ways for caregivers to advocate for their child’s care

Referral: None needed

Registration: Families can register on the class website.

On-demand option: Families who cannot attend the live class have the option of watching a recording, found on the class website.