At Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics, your child’s health and well-being are our top priorities. This includes not only their physical health, but also their emotional and mental health.
Beginning at age 10, all patients are asked to complete a brief, evidence-based suicide screening during their pediatric visit. This screening is a routine part of care, just like growth, vision, or blood pressure and helps us better understand how your child is doing.
Why Are We Doing This?
Mental health is just as important as physical health. National pediatric guidelines recommend routine screening for children and teens because early identification allows us to intervene sooner, helping children develop healthy skills and habits for managing stress that supports long-term well-being.
Stress, anxiety, and sadness are a normal part of growing up, yet many children and teens don’t know how to talk about these feelings or how to find the right kind of help. Our goal is to make sure they have safe, reliable support they can turn to because suicide is a significant public health concern:
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Arizonans ages 10–34.
- Research shows that most individuals who die by suicide had contact with a healthcare provider within the three months prior to their death.
- Asking children and teens directly about suicide is safe, does not put ideas into their heads, and is a critical part of prevention.
- Early detection saves lives.
Partnering with Parents
Many parents tell us they want to be the first to talk with their child about sensitive topics like mental health or suicide. We respect that and completely understand. That’s why we’re sharing this information ahead of your child's visit – to give you the opportunity to talk with your child before their visit.
At the same time, it’s important to know that children and adolescents may learn about suicide from other sources. By supporting parents and providing a safe, supportive space to share their thoughts, we aim to give youth accurate information and compassionate, evidence-based support when they need it.
What Is the Screener?
We use a brief, evidence-based screening tool used by many other leading pediatric health systems across the country. It takes less than 2 minutes to complete and helps guide conversations between patients, families and the care team.
- All patients ages 10 and older are asked to complete the screening.
- If safety concerns are identified, we will work closely with you to determine next steps.
Your child’s health and safety are our #1 priority.
Please ask your child’s provider if you have questions about our suicide prevention program.
Why We Use the ASQ (Ask Suicide-Screening Questions)
- Supports early identification: Risk may be present even during visits for unrelated concerns.
- Evidence-based and widely adopted: Recommended by leading organizations like the Joint Commission, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and used within other leading pediatric health systems across the country.
- Quick and Effective: Five yes/no questions.
- Prevents missed opportunities: Many children and teens do not share suicidal thoughts unless asked directly.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
You are not alone. For free, confidential support 24/7, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, anywhere in the U.S.
Thank you for trusting us with your child’s physical and mental health. We are honored to partner with you and support your family.
