Introduction
No one wants to believe that suicide is one of the leading causes of death for adolescents. It is however just that, a leading cause of death. “Currently, suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death among youth aged 15-24 years. Since the 1950’s the suicide rate of young adults has more than tripled while the rate f the overall population has remained relatively stable” (King et at, 2011, pg.581). The causes of teen suicide are many but there are scenarios that increase a teen’s risk for choosing suicide. Socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, hostile social environment, lack of education choices can all play a negative role in adolescent development.
Suicide Characteristics
The McWhirter text gives 13 characteristics of teens that tend to be more at rick of suicide. It is important to remember that most times multiple characteristic are present and they contribute to each other in a circular pattern. Substance abuse, which includes both alcohol and drugs, can increase a teen’s rick for suicide. Another characteristic is under and or over achievement. Teens that have high academic expectation placed on them can also increase the risk of suicide. Other characteristics of at risk youth are sexual orientation, troubled family life, poor self-image as well. Depression is one of the big characteristics that are seen in youths that attempt suicide or complete a suicide attempt. “Unfortunately, youth depression often goes unrecognized by parents and professionals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that only 29% of people with depression receive help from a mental health professional” (King et al, 2011, pg.582).

Legal Do’s and Don’ts
When a teen commits suicide it is traumatic to the family and devastating emotionally. Sometimes when parents are dealing with this type of grief they want to find someone to blame and that is usually the practitioner that had been treating the teen. It is important to follow some guidelines as a means to both protect yourself, the counselor, from a lawsuit but also to protect the patient and his or her rights.
As Manuel’s counselor it would be very important for me to be avoid saying anything to him that could be construed as angry or condescending in angry. Manuel has admitted that he is feeling depressed. This is a big step and as a counselor I need to be empathetic to his feelings. Another big and very important thing that as a counselor I legally have to make sure to do is to document everything that happens in the session. It will be very important if anything were to ever be made legal to have proof and documentation as to exactly how Manuel was mentally. Consulting other colleagues in the same field regarding diagnosis or just about aspects of a case. “If colleagues supported a decision at the time, a plaintiff will have a hard time proving negligence” (McWhirter, 2011, pg.75). Attending seminars and other educational events as a means to maintain up to date knowledge is also important. In order to be professional and educated in any subject area continued education in necessary.

References
King, K. A., Strunk, C. M., & Sorter, M. T. (2011). Preliminary Effectiveness of
Surviving the Teens® Suicide Prevention and Depression Awareness Program on Adolescents' Suicidality and Self-Efficacy in Performing Help-Seeking Behaviors. Journal Of School Health, 81(9), 581-590. doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2011.00630.x
McWhirter, J.J., McWhirter, B.T., McWhirter, E.H., & McWhirter, R.J. (2013). At-risk youth: A comprehensive response for counselors, teachers, psychologists and human service professionals (5th ed.). Belmont, TN: Brooks/Cole Publishers. ISBN: 9780840028594.