An Evidence-Based Clinical Approach to Suicide Prevention in the Department of Defense: The Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS)

There are few evidence-based approaches for the treatment of suicidality particularly within the Department of Defense settings (DoD) (Schoenbaum, Heinssen, &; Pearson, 2009 Schoenbaum, M., Heinssen, R. and Pearson, J. L. 2009. Opportunities to improve interventions to reduce suicidality: Civilian “best practices” for army considerations, Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Mental Health.  [Google Scholar]). This article describes a relatively new suicide-specific approach called the “Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality” (CAMS). There is growing evidence that CAMS can meaningfully impact suicidal ideation, overall symptom distress, increase hope, and may positively impact non-mental health utilization. The prospect of using CAMS within military treatment facilities is discussed as a means of clinically assessing and treating suicidal ideation and related behaviors for military personnel.