This study aimed to deepen in risk and protective factors of suicidal behavior by comparing mental health consultants, mostly with depressive symptoms, with and without suicidal risk. Six hundred and seventy-six consultants were studied in 3 health centers in the Metropolitan region in Chile. The sample was divided into 2 groups: I) without suicidal behavior (n = 354), and II) with current suicidal behavior (n = 321). At the same time, the group with suicidal behavior was divided into 3 subgroups: a) suicidal ideation, without current suicide attempts (n = 165); b) low severity suicide attempt (n =71), and c) high severity suicide attempt (n = 85). The studied variables were experience and expression of anger (STAXI-2) and dissuasive reasons to commit suicide (RFL). Descriptive and correlation analyzes were performed. The consultants without suicidal behavior showed a more functional experience and expression of anger, and they emphasized the importance of more reasons for living than the group with suicidal behavior. The suicidal ideation subgroup showed a greater dysfunction in relation to over -control rage. They stand as reasons for not wanting to commit suicide, not want to harm the children or cause suffering to the family. It also highlights as protective factor believe in their own coping abilities in difficult situations. The results contribute to the prevention and treatment of suicidal risk consultants. (C) 2016 Sociedad Universitaria de InvestigaciOn en Psicologia y Salud. Published by Elsevier Espaha, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http:// creativecommons.orgRicenses/by-nc-nd/1.0/).