If a patient threatens harm to themselves, what professional should be contacted?

When a patient threatens harm to themselves, contacting psychiatric services is the most appropriate course of action. Psychiatric services specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues, including suicidal ideation. Professionals in this field are trained to evaluate the immediacy and severity of the threat, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate necessary mental health care.

In situations where a patient is at risk of self-harm, having access to mental health professionals can ensure that the patient receives a proper evaluation and an appropriate safety plan is developed. These services can also provide ongoing support and treatment options to help the patient cope with their feelings and reduce the risk of harm.

While other professionals, such as emergency services or police, may be involved in situations involving immediate danger, psychiatric services specifically focus on mental health care, making them the primary resource for assessing and managing the patient's psychological state.