Working with suicidal clients is one of the most difficult tasks a mental health clinician is faced with. Due to the likely encounter of suicidal clients during their career, it is imperative that mental health professionals are prepared with the necessary training and skills to assess suicidality. The purpose of this study was to examine clinicians' training experiences and competency in conducting suicide risk assessments and formulating safety plans, knowledge of the complex issues that inform a clinician's work with suicidal clients and the skills to address the client's suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The study included 16 participants from different training years (3rd year, 4th year, 5th year and post-doc) who completed a survey regarding their training experiences and responses to competency. Results indicated that participants received inadequate training in conducting comprehensive suicide risk assessments and do not feel competent in their ability to adequately assess and respond to suicidal clients. Findings suggested that participants received the knowledge of suicide assessment and skills that they do have from clinical practicum experiences rather than formal academic training. The results of this study calls for increased suicide-specific formal education and clinical training opportunities and further research on competency and suicide assessment and management training. To sustain these skills, formal and informal training in working with suicidal clients should begin early in graduate programs and extend through internship and postdoctoral training. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]