APA Dictionary of Psychology

a crisis-intervention facility dealing primarily with individuals who have suicidal thoughts or who have threatened or attempted suicide. Suicide-prevention centers are usually staffed by social workers or paraprofessionals who are trained to respond to such emergencies in person or over a telephone hotline. Suicide-prevention centers also provide community education and outreach, and staff may offer bereavement support to the relatives and loved ones of an individual who has died by suicide.