Voluntary self-prohibition (VSP) is a suicide prevention policy that allows individuals who recognize their risk for suicide to voluntarily prevent themselves from purchasing firearms through systems requiring background checks. It is unclear whether psychiatrists are aware of this suicide prevention tool or when to recommend it appropriately.

To evaluate Virginia psychiatrists’ awareness and use of VSP alongside Substantial Risk Orders (SROs) to inform policy and practice.

A convenience sample of Virginia psychiatrists was surveyed on knowledge and use of VSP and SRO, including vignettes of patients at varying risk levels.

Sixty-three psychiatrists completed the survey. Most (66.7%) were unaware of VSP or SRO. After brief education, 74.1% of respondents chose VSP in the vignette where it was most strongly indicated and 72.2% chose SRO in the vignette where it was most strongly indicated. After learning about VSP, 83% agreed or strongly agreed that VSP could be a useful tool.

The sample was small and did not collect certain information which may have provided additional insight into respondents’ choices.

After brief education, most respondents found VSP potentially useful. Ensuring knowledge of VSP and SRO may improve the uptake of both policies and suicide prevention efforts.

Youth suicidal ideation and behaviour are major significant concerns, with suicide being the third leading cause of death among youth. In recent years, the trend toward deinstitutionalisation has caused parents of high-risk youth to face increasing emotional and practical challenges, including managing lethal means restriction (LMR) to reduce suicide risk.

This qualitative study explores the experiences of parents instructed by mental health professionals to restrict their child’s access to lethal means in managing suicidal behaviours.

Twelve Israeli parents of youth aged 12–21 years participated in in-depth interviews. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, the study investigated the emotional, psychological and relational challenges parents face when implementing LMR.

Findings indicate that parents struggle to understand and implement LMR guidance, experience emotional strain from their role as protectors, and face pervasive anxiety about their child’s safety. The study also highlights feelings of helplessness and the erosion of trust between parents and children. Many parents criticise LMR, viewing it as potentially harmful to their relationship with their child or ineffective at keeping their child safe.

This study underscores the emotional and practical challenges parents face when implementing LMR. To improve its effectiveness, guidance should be re-evaluated and communicated more flexibly, emphasising shared responsibility between the parent and child, and address the emotional toll on parents during this critical period.