No. You don't suggest "prayer and God".
It's not an effective tactic.
In fact, if one has NO training you're best to call 9-1-1.
You can be called to court and go to jail if you're NOT trained and it's found you made things worse and were not trained.
1. Immediate safety comes first
If someone is believed to be at
imminent risk of suicide:
- They cannot be ignored or sent away
- Medical providers have a duty to protect life
- Emergency evaluation is required (ER, crisis center, or psychiatric unit)
This applies whether the person:
- Expresses suicidal intent
- Has a plan
- Has means available
- Or shows behavior strongly suggesting risk
2. Mandatory suicide risk assessment
Healthcare providers must perform a
formal suicide risk assessment, usually including:
- Current suicidal thoughts
- Past attempts
- Specific plans or intent
- Access to lethal means
- Mental health history
- Substance use
- Protective factors (family, beliefs, responsibilities)
Common tools:
- Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
- SAFE-T protocol
Documentation is
legally required.
3. Levels of care (based on risk)
Low risk
- Passive thoughts, no plan, no intent
Standard response:
- Safety planning
- Outpatient mental health referral
- Follow-up within days
Moderate risk
- Suicidal thoughts + risk factors, unclear intent
Standard response:
- Same-day mental health evaluation
- Possible short observation
- Safety plan + close follow-up
- Family/support involvement (with consent or if safety requires)
High risk / imminent danger
- Active intent, plan, or inability to stay safe
Standard response:
- Hospitalization, voluntary or involuntary
- Continuous observation (1:1 or q15 checks)
- Removal of dangerous items
- Psychiatric evaluation within hours
4. Involuntary hospitalization (civil commitment)
If someone
refuses care but is deemed dangerous to themselves:
- Providers can place a temporary involuntary hold
- Names vary by state (e.g., 5150, Baker Act, Section 12)
- Usually lasts 48–72 hours for evaluation
- Legal review is required for longer holds
This is
not optional for providers once criteria are met.
5. Patient rights still apply
Even during involuntary care, the person has rights:
- Humane treatment
- Least restrictive environment possible
- Right to be informed of status
- Right to legal representation if held longer
- Right to refuse some treatments (varies)
6. Discharge standards
A suicidal patient
should not be discharged unless:
- Risk is reassessed and documented as manageable
- A safety plan is completed
- Follow-up care is arranged
- The patient demonstrates ability to seek help if thoughts return
Failure here can be
medical malpractice.
7. Confidentiality limits
Providers
must break confidentiality if:
- There is imminent risk to the patient
- A minor is involved
- Abuse or neglect is suspected
Safety overrides privacy.
8. Non-discrimination requirement
U.S. healthcare standards
forbid denying care because of:
- Mental illness
- Suicidal ideation
- Prior attempts
- Substance use
Refusal to treat a suicidal person can violate:
- EMTALA (emergency care law)
- State medical board rules
- Federal disability protections
Important note
Being
suicidal is treated as a medical emergency, not a moral failing, not a crime, and not “attention-seeking.”
Some years back (before rebranded Flu) I and a few others and I helped a guy in another state.
He happened to be a Veteran (so am I), so that helped de-escalate things easier.
If it's a Christian they must know:
God does NOT support suicide.
There is NO post-death repentance.
No one living can "pray" them out of their destination and it isn't Heaven.