Suicide Prevention During Covid-19
The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges. Beyond the physical harms of COVID-19, the pandemic carries secondary consequences, such as social isolation, economic stress, and barriers to mental health treatment. All of these issues may increase the risk of suicide. Montana’s consistently high suicide rate is among the highest in the nation. Now, health experts who work with American Indian communities in Montana fear the pandemic could make their mental health worse. 

Because suicide prevention requires special attention during the pandemic, the Center launched a study in collaboration with Tribal and urban Indian health centers throughout Montana. The study sought to identify perceptions and attitudes of behavioral health and medical care providers who are working to prevent suicides during this difficult time. The survey asked about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on suicide risks among American Indians in Montana, changes in suicide prevention care, adoption of telehealth, and the effectiveness and efficiency of telehealth for suicide prevention services.
Highlights from our findings:

  • 69% of providers think the COVID-19 pandemic changed their ability to prevent suicides.
  • 75% of providers say telehealth is effective for suicide prevention.
  • 98% of providers believe telehealth is needed for suicide prevention.
  • Montana’s Providers trust telehealth; only 5% have safety concerns, and 9% have privacy concerns.
Next Steps:

  • Improve access to care by investing in broadband internet access, telehealth equipment and culturally-appropriate programs to serve American Indian community members across the state.
  • Continue to expand telehealth for suicide prevention even after the pandemic ends.
  • Assess the perceptions of telehealth, technology barriers, and overall needs and preferences among American Indian communities.
For more information about the study, including an infographic and a video overview, check out our Suicide Prevention during COVID-19 Study


If you are working with someone you think may be at risk of suicide, be direct. Ask "Are you thinking of killing or harming yourself?" Although this may be uncomfortable to ask, it could be the question that saves their life by giving them an outlet to talk about what has been going on inside them. 
The Center for Children, Families & Workforce Development partners with the child protection, health, educational, and judicial systems to develop and deliver educational and training resources to professionals and caregivers statewide. We also conduct research that focuses on solving problems that impact children and families. Support comes from the University of Montana's College of Health and School of Social Work.