You are seeing a 14-year-old girl, Mathilda, who was referre…
You are seeing a 14-year-old girl, Mathilda, who was referred by her school counselor for symptoms of depression. During your psychiatric evaluation, Mathilda discloses that she has been thinking about suicide. She reports having occasional thoughts of “wanting it all to end” but denies any current plan, intent, or preparatory behavior. She begs you not to tell her parents, fearing they will “make it worse.” What is the best initial response regarding confidentiality and Mathilda’s disclosure?