ELDERLY SUICIDE, MENTAL-HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, AND THE CLERGY - A NEEDFOR CLINICAL COLLABORATION, TRAINING, AND RESEARCH

This article addresses the need for improved clergy-mental health prof essional collaboration in the assessment ann treatment of elderly suic ide. Millions of older adults with personal problems seek the counsel of clergy. A recent Gallup survey found that elders are more willing t o turn to their clergy than their medical doctor or a mental health sp ecialist for help when a friend is contemplating suicide (Gallup Organ ization, 1992). Elder suicide prevention presents the mental health an d religious communities with unique opportunities to work together in the best interests of those they serve.