Suicide prevention techniques, from a clinical perspective, need to be as diversified as the population they serve. In certain special population groups, suicide has reached epidemic proportions, and there is a significant public health need for specific suicide prevention strategies. Special populations need to be identified and their suicide risk evaluated. Women, adolescents, the elderly, ethnic minorities, the emotionally disturbed, professionals, runaways, and other subgroups need biologically and environmentally specialized suicide prevention services. Historically four basic strategies have been applied to the evaluation process of suicide risk and in suicide prevention program design: (1) matching the social demographics of completed suicides; (2) psychometric assessments; (3) psychological profiles; and (4) designation of specific high risk groups. Parents, teachers, and professionals in all fields can learn to recognize the symptoms of depression or the warning signs of suicidal ideation. They can learn to recognize when someone troubled needs professional treatment and how to help network professional care. The community need for interdisciplinary suicide intervention strategies is imperative. Planning and implementation of suicide intervention and prevention programs should begin within designated special population groups identified through research. (NB)