I think my T just has the 911 number and an 24/7 assesment number that a person can call. As for being able to call her, she has a voice mail and works out of two different offices. So, she probably doesn't get the chance to check messages constantly. Also, I would hate to call in the middle of someone else's therapy session. I found myself thinking about that during my course on the ethics in counseling. That would be unfair to the other client. So, if the client is in need of mmediate attention going somewhere that is set up for that is best.
Also, I think one can not expect a therapist to be able to be interrupted during vacations and sleeping. Suicidal clients is one of the most stressful clients that a T can have. The liability issue is best dealt with by doing a good assesment for suicide risk and keeping good records.
As for talking about the subject of suicidal thoughts with my T.
First session/assesment
I mentioned a thought of jumping in a river that I live near by while walking to meet the bus to go to school.
T: Do you have any plans?
Me: No. I don't want to.
She lost interest and moved on. I was releaved by her lack of an over reaction.
EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
I mentioned the same thought while trying to get permission to talk to a counselor.
EAP: Do you feel safe tonight?
She asks me a question similar to this one three times. I made a joke that my cat is not going to attack me. She made me feel as if a single thought of suicide meant that I had to be suicidal. I have never been suicidal. I just have odd images of killing myself pop up when I am home alone. I don't know why but they are easy to get rid of. Besides, I am good on controling my behavior. I just have some trouble with my emotions and thoughts. I suspect that suicide hotlines might be less annoying-- I hope. I sure didn't like my EAP's reaction.
I think my brain uses those kinds of thoughts as a way to say, " I am feeling overwhelmed."
As for suicidal thoughts being a way to hurt someone or get attention. When I was in high school, I would sometimes try to hurt my parents by saying a suicidal comment. But other times, I would make a comment and forget what I said. I would know that it was a suicidal statement instead of a negative statement by how my parents would react. I have never figured out how/why I did that. I am glad that I don't do that now.
Obviously, I think a client should be allowed to discuss thoughts of suicide during therapy. I think I can talk about that. However, I am not entirely comfortable about discussing that much. But, I suspect it will come up because I tend to ramble about what ever is bothering /has been bothering me that period between sessions.