Mental status examinations (MSEs) and suicide assessment interviews (SAIs) are essential professional counseling skills. We will: (a) outline the usual MSE and SAI interviewing/assessment components; (b) show a short (and new) video clip illustrating interview process and content; (c) discuss common pitfalls related to MSE and suicide assessment interviewing ; and (d) identify diversity and cultural issues that can adversely affect the validity of these interview assessment procedures.