Resources for deaf/suicidal patients STAT!

[Melissa Henkel RN]

I need help and fast! Thank you in advance. I am looking for resources to help a deaf women in Dayton deal with her suicidal tensions. She is currently under 24 hour watch, but time is running out for her and the family doesn't know where to turn. They are Christians, but she gave up her faith recently due to her depressed condition. Any information would be appreciated. Mel.

[AmyLiz]

How about calling up the School for the Deaf down in Cincinnati & asking them if they know of any psychologists/psychiatrists that specialize in deaf patients?

That's all I can think of doing...I figure they would probably be able to give you some direction. Either that or if there are any deaf associations you can contact & ask.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Any service that provides counseling for suicidal patients should be able to provide at least a little help on an emergency basis for a deaf client. You just need to locate a good interpreter -- and your facility should have a list of qualified interpreters. If not, any local community health agency or agency for the deaf should have a list of qualified interpreters.

Finding a specialist in treating deaf individuals is a lot harder -- and many communities do not have people who specialize in deaf services. However, emergency counseling should be available through any reputable counselor with the help of an interpreter. That would get you through the immediate crisis until a longer term resource can be found.

llg