This article presents the results of a study of 141 mental health professionals who have experienced a patient’s suicide. Results indicate that mental health professionals reacted to such suicides in different ways according to gender. Women generally responded with elevated stress levels in the first month, while men experienced stress levels that were subclinical on average. The high stress response found in women was also initially accompanied by more profound impacts on their professional practice : increased hospitalizations of suicidal patients or greater precautions in their treatment, increased evaluation of patients as being at risk for suicide, increased helplessness while assessing or treating suicidal patients, more frequent consultation of colleagues and supervisors and more attention to legal issues. Gender differences found in this study are discussed in the light of socialization and professional development theories.