Reactions of Mental Health Social Workers following a Client Suicide Completion: A Qualitative Investigation

Abstract

The impact of client suicidal behavior on mental health social workers is slowly receiving increased empirical attention. This qualitative study examined the impact of client suicide on social workers. Results indicate that social workers experience multiple personal and professional reactions immediately following a client suicide completion. Long-term effects, such as the continual experience of emotional reactions and permanent behavior changes, including changing practice strategies, are also reported. The results of this study have significant implications for the preparation of social workers and other mental health therapists for practice with suicidal clients.