Those who are potentially suicidal should be assessed directly and without being dismissive of the potential for self-harm. Asking the patient why he or she is telling family he or she is suicidal can be perceived as dismissive and damage the development of a therapeutic relationship with that patient. Asking the patient directly if they intend to commit suicide, if they have a plan, and if they have factors that could prevent them from committing suicide are all part of correctly assessing a suicidal patient.