Characteristics of U.S. Mental Health Facilities That Offer Suicide Prevention Services.

Objective: This study characterized mental health facilities that offer suicide prevention services or outcome follow-up after discharge.
Methods: The study analyzed data from 8,459 U.S. mental health facilities that participated in the 2010 National Mental Health Services Survey. Logistic regression analyses were used to compare facilities that offered neither of the prevention services with those that offered both or either service.
Results: About one-fifth of mental health facilities reported offering neither suicide prevention services nor outcome follow-up. Approximately one-third offered both, 25% offered suicide prevention services only, and 21% offered only outcome follow-up after discharge. Facilities that offered neither service were less likely than facilities that offered either to offer comprehensive support services or special programs for veterans; to offer substance abuse services; and to be accredited, licensed, or certified.
Conclusions: Further examination of facilitators and barriers in implementing suicide prevention services in mental health facilities is warranted.