Suicidal adolescents' treatment compliance and outcome were as good as those of non-suicidal patients. Their psychosocial functioning, cognitive performance, and both the psychological self and body-image improved during treatment. Positive changes in body-image associated significantly with a higher probability of improvement in psychosocial functioning, while a higher GAS score at entry was associated with a lower probability of functional improvement. In clinical practice, attention needs to be paid to structured assessment of adolescent psychiatric inpatients. This study suggests a need to combine at least regular individual therapy, pharmacotherapy, family interventions, and a school program. Since a good working alliance between the therapist and the adolescent patient seems to modify the treatment outcome, particular attention to creating a good alliance with the patient and intensive involvement of the parents in treatment are recommended. Prospective studies with a sufficient follow-up after discharge and well-designed intervention studies among adolescent inpatients are needed.