While the popular literature frequently makes mention of the suicide risk of mentally ill persons, few studies have actually focused on the suicide risk of persons under psychiatric treatment. This study collected data regarding the suicidal risk of persons served by rural community mental health centers from records of 181 outpatients and 218 inpatients of a rural community mental health system, using suicide review forms. The findings revealed that 109 of the 181 outpatient records contained data indicating that suicidal risk had been addressed at intake. Suicidal communications were documented in 32 cases and 13 cases clearly communicated a degree of suicidal risk. Compared to the outpatient sample, inpatient data revealed a population more likely to contain persons who threatened, attempted, or seriously considered suicide. Pretreatment and course of treatment data revealed a number of deficiencies that, if not addressed, could place clients and the system at unwarranted risk. Based on the findings, policy and intervention recommendations were offered. Follow-up data showed that feedback to providers had a significant effect on the response of the system to these deficiencies. (TE)