Mental Health

Improving suicide care requires strong systems, shared accountability, and seamless transitions across care settings, especially during moments of elevated risk. Through the 2025 Suicide Care in Healthcare Quality Improvement Initiative , Vermont healthcare and community partners are working together to strengthen suicide care pathways using evidence-informed practices, data, and quality improvement methods. Facilitated by the Vermont Program for Quality in Health Care and funded by the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Department of Mental Health, the initiative supports teams in improving continuity of care, particularly during transitions from emergency departments to community-based services. The work underway in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom offers a strong example of this approach in action. Building on long-standing partnerships, local hospital and community organizations came together to formalize a Safe Transitions Team focused on coordinated, sustainable suicide care. The story below highlights how collaboration, data, and flexibility helped strengthen care transitions and improve support for individuals at risk.

Telehealth Resource Guide: Tools and Guidance for Managing Suicide Risk in Telehealth Settings This resource guide is designed to support mental health clinicians providing telehealth services focused on suicide prevention and treatment. It offers evidence-based guidelines, practical tools, and best practices for delivering high-quality, safe, and effective care in a virtual environment.* When viewed digitally, the guide is interactive and includes clickable links for quick access to referenced materials.

Telepsychiatry in the ED: Expanding Access Through Virtual Care

A quick guide to staffing, technology, workflows, and partnerships for effective telepsychiatry in the ED.

Key insights from Vermont’s telepsychiatry pilot, including satisfaction, impact on care, and implementation challenges.

An in-depth look at telepsychiatry implementation, patient impact, and cost drivers at two Vermont hospitals to inform future policy and investment.

A statewide snapshot of ED telepsychiatry use, gaps, and strategies to improve access, coordination, and care integration.

A virtual discussion with Vermont Medicaid and Vermont Office of Professional Regulation. Both provided an overview of their telehealth policies, followed by Q&A.

A look inside Vermont’s statewide effort to strengthen suicide-safer care in emergency departments through collaboration and evidence-based practices.