Psychoeducation groups are a mainstay of inpatient psychiatric care. They help patients learn more about disorders, symptoms, treatment, and more. The MCES Allied Therapy Department uses this approach to enhance our patients’ suicide prevention skills during and after their stays.

Serious mental illness carries high suicide risk. Suicidal behavior accounts for many psychiatric hospitalizations. High suicide risk is present after discharge regardless of the reason for admission. Patients shift from a supportive and protective care setting to coping with their stressors and triggers on their own.

The MCES patient suicide prevention strategy includes a Suicide Prevention Awareness Group. The group is voluntary and designed to normalize talking about suicidal thoughts and using available supports when thoughts occur. An Allied Therapist facilitates the group, which focuses on risk factors, warning signs, and self-care basics, as well as related topics suggested by patients.