This 30 year-old married female presents with a major depressive disorder and appears to be a low suicide risk. She denies suicidal ideation, has no history of attempts, and is responsible for two children. She has recently started on sertraline and is hopeful about her future. She can be managed safely as an outpatient.

The patient is a 67 year-old married, retired male construction worker who with ischemic cardiomyopathy and recent increased use of alcohol, placing him at a moderate to high risk of suicide. He has no history of suicide attempts and a strong support system. He had a recent hospitalization for a myocardial infarction, during which he developed a depressive syndrome and he appears increasingly hopeless about the future, particularly surrounding his medical bills and debt. While intoxicated last week, he reported having vague and fleeting suicidal thoughts though denies any past or current intent of acting on these thoughts. His wife is not aware of any acute evidence of dangerousness and was willing to secure the patients firearms and excess medications. He was offered hospitalization, but declined. There is insufficient evidence of acute dangerousness to warrant involuntary hospitalization. Patient agrees to quit drinking and engage in close follow-up for his depression with referral to a psychiatrist. He verbalizes intent to seek emergent assistance if feeling unsafe.