The collaborative assessment and management of suicide (CAMS): a recovery-oriented approach to working with suicidal people

Abstract

Purpose

The collaborative assessment and management of suicide (CAMS) is an evidenced-based therapeutic framework designed to facilitate a co-authored and collaborative approach to addressing suicidality (Jobes, 2009). The collaborative nature of this approach is fundamental to its success in delivering suicide specific and recovery-oriented mental health care to thousands of suicidal people to date. The purpose of this paper is to outline the CAMS model and propose it as a recovery-oriented approach to addressing suicidality in mental health care.

Design/methodology/approach

The CAMS model and its philosophy are reviewed in light of recovery principles.

Findings

It is proposed that the CAMS model is consistent with a recovery-oriented approach to mental health care for suicidal people.

Originality/value

As yet there are no specifically identified recovery-oriented approaches to addressing suicidality.

Citation

Galavan, E. and Repper, J. (2017), "The collaborative assessment and management of suicide (CAMS): a recovery-oriented approach to working with suicidal people", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 86-90. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-11-2016-0030