More than Half of Mental Health Facilities Offer Suicide Prevention Services


In 2012, about 9.0 million adults aged 18 or older reported past year serious thoughts of suicide.1 Of adults with serious suicidal thoughts, about half receive mental health treatment each year.2 Specialty mental health facilities play a vital role in suicide prevention.3 Suicide prevention services in specialty mental health facilities may include training staff on how to identify signs of suicidal behavior, treating individuals with suicidal ideation, and helping individuals receive care when they leave the facility.

The National Mental Health Services Survey (N-MHSS) is a survey of all known mental health treatment facilities in the United States. In 2010, more than half (57.2%) of mental health facilities offered suicide prevention services. Across different types of facilities, offering suicide prevention services was highest in Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers (94.1%), followed by psychiatric hospitals (71.5%) and general hospitals with separate psychiatric units (68.8%).4

More facilities and mental health providers may consider adding suicide prevention services to better identify and help clients with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Providers may also encourage individuals to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK; http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/). More information about suicide prevention is available at https://www.samhsa.gov/prevention/suicide.aspx.

Figure. Mental health facilities that offer suicide prevention services, by type of facilities: 2010
This is a bar graph comparing mental health facilities that offer suicide prevention services, by type of facilities: 2010. Accessible table located below this figure.

Figure Table. Mental health facilities that offer suicide prevention services, by type of facilities: 2010
Type of facility Percent of facilities offering suicide
prevention services
All facilities 57.2%
VA medical centers 94.1%
Psychiatric hospitals 71.5%
General hospitals 68.8%
Multisetting facilities 58.9%
Outpatient clinics 55.6%
Residential treatment centers for children 47.1%
Residential treatment centers for adults 37.8%
Source: 2010 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Mental Health Services Survey (N-MHSS). N-MHSS is an annual survey of all known mental health treatment facilities in the United States, both public and private. N-MHSS is one component of the Behavioral Health Services Information System (BHSIS), an integrated data system maintained by the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, SAMHSA. Information and data for this report are based on data reported to N-MHSS for 2010. For more information on N-MHSS, see Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2014). National Mental Health Services Survey (N-MHSS): 2010: Data on mental health treatment facilities. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

End Notes
1 Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2013). Results from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental health findings (HHS Publication No. SMA 13-4805, NSDUH Series H-47). Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
2 Han, B., McKeon, R., & Gfroerer, J. (2014). Suicidal ideation among community-dwelling adults in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 104(3), 488–497.
3 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General and National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. (2012). 2012 National strategy for suicide prevention: Goals and objectives for action. Washington, DC: Author.
4 Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2014). National Mental Health Services Survey (N-MHSS): 2010. Data on mental health treatment facilities (HHS Publication No. SMA 14-4837, BHSIS Series S-69). Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Source: 2010 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Mental Health Services Survey (N-MHSS). N-MHSS is an annual survey of all known mental health treatment facilities in the United States, both public and private. N-MHSS is one component of the Behavioral Health Services Information System (BHSIS), an integrated data system maintained by the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, SAMHSA. Information and data for this report are based on data reported to N-MHSS for 2010. For more information on N-MHSS, see Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2014). National Mental Health Services Survey (N-MHSS): 2010: Data on mental health treatment facilities. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. The Data Spotlight may be copied without permission. Citation of the source is appreciated. Find this report and those on similar topics online at https://www.samhsa.gov/data/.