Suicidal behavior has many causes. Predispositions, vulnerability, nurture effects, societal influences, and unknown factors combine to create influences that are never identical across individuals. As a result, the screening of individuals for suicidal behavior is problematic. Biochemical assessments lack both specificity and sensitivity. Although some current psychological tests appear to have sufficient sensitivity, they lack the specificity to be satisfactory screening agents. Therefore, clinicians must evaluate suicidal risk using as much of the total clinical information as is available. Factors such as age, race, sex, religion, ethnicity, social circumstances, and economic factors are less important than the current diagnosis, mental state, affect, stated intention regarding suicide, means available, family or other emotional support, history of losses, coexistent personality disorder, drug abuse, past and family history of suicide and depression, impulsivity, sexual orientation, and other factors. Clinicians should allow ample time for the interview, use open-ended questions, and interview parents or others to decide on outpatient treatment or the need for hospitalization. 161 references