# What should a clinician do if a client discloses suicidal intent during an online session?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/what-should-a-clinician-do-if-a-client-discloses-suicidal-intent-during-an-online-session
For: Clinicians | Mental health care | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** Kenya's National Tele-Mental Health Guidelines expect an emergency plan agreed before teletherapy starts: the client's location, a local support person or facilitator, and local emergency contacts. If a client discloses intent, the guidelines suggest telling them you need to involve the support person, then contacting that person or local services, and having a protocol for clients who leave a session abruptly. Stay connected where possible, follow your organisation's crisis procedure, document actions taken, and debrief with a supervisor.

Sources: Ministry of Health, Kenya: https://www.mntrh.go.ke/sites/default/files/2024-10/M.O.H-National-Tele-Mental-Health-Guidelines-January-2021.pdf - World Health Organization: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/brain-health/mhgap-training-manuals/sui_module.pdf?sfvrsn=bb7a26ed_5

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