Methods. A cross-sectional survey among 488 GPs in the northern part of The Netherlands. Results. A 44% response was achieved (n = 214) during the last 3 years, 38 (18%) were exposed to suicide, 21 (10%) to help requests without being exposed to suicide and 52 (24%) to both suicide and help requests. Out of 106 requests, 69 (65%) were handled by the GP; 60 (57%) were either directly or additionally referred, principally for mental health care. Suicide exposure and female gender were associated with the doctor's perception that follow-up care following a loss through suicide is useful. The perception that help is useful increased the likelihood of GPs' referral for evidence-based follow-up care. Conclusions. GPs support the availability of evidence-based follow-up care for relatives of suicide victims. To modify GPs' key role in referring relatives for it, GPs should be well informed of its usefulness and to whom.