The non-psychiatric physician's responsibilities for the suicidal adolescent.

Pediatricians, internists, emergency-room physicians, family practice physicians, and other non-psychiatric physicians, often trusted allies of the child and family, are in an excellent position to assess, manage, and even prevent suicidal behaviors in their younger patients. This is not to suggest that these physicians should necessarily undertake extensive counseling or therapy with self-destructive children and adolescents; rather, they can help to screen and coordinate appropriate referrals and reinforce and/or support corrective efforts.