Firearm violence is a significant cause of morbidity and premature mortality in the United States. The majority of suicides and homicides are committed with firearms. Considerable debate has occurred regarding firearm violence and mentally ill people. Mental health professionals can play a central role in research, practice, and advocacy regarding firearm violence prevention through a number of avenues. However, little is known about mental health professionals' perceptions and practices regarding firearm safety counseling in the mentally ill. Thus, the purposes of this investigation are to summarize the literature on firearm violence by the mentally ill and to conduct a rigorous review of the available scientific literature on mental health professionals' views and practices on firearm violence prevention. A total of nine studies were found that dealt with mental health professionals' attitudes and practices on firearm violence prevention. Findings have been summarized in the following categories: mental health professionals training, screening for the presence of firearms, engagement in firearm safety counseling, and perceptions regarding firearm violence in the United States. Mental health professionals need more training regarding firearm issues if they are going to play a role in reducing firearm trauma by the mentally ill. Their impact will be primarily on firearm suicides.
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