This NEWLY RELEASED course (October 2023) is an interactive workshop based on 24 core competencies derived from empirical evidence that comprehensively define the knowledge, skills and approaches required for effective clinical risk assessment and treatment of individuals at risk for suicide. The course is designed to meet the needs of Professional Counselors, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurses, Substance Abuse Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists, Pastoral Counselors, and Other Counselors.
About Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk: Essential Skills for Clinicians ©
The Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk: Essentials for Clinicians© training course is for mental health clinicians with an interest in acquiring a competency-based skill set for working with individuals at risk for suicide. Understanding how to identify, assess, and address a client at risk for suicide is crucial for effective early intervention in a clinical setting.
The curriculum is based on a set of core clinical competencies developed by a task force of renowned clinical experts collaborating and comprehensively defining the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to effectively assess individuals at risk for suicide. As such, the program provides valuable opportunities to learn with other clinicians while practicing skills and strategies to recognize and respond to suicide risk. Additionally, Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk: Essentials for Clinicians is a recommended Suicide Care Training for the Zero Suicide framework.
Learning Objectives:
- Conduct a systematic review to gather information on suicide-related risk and protective factors.
- Identify and document warning signs of suicide risk.
- Make clinical judgments of suicide risk by considering acute and chronic levels of risk.
- Write a suicide risk assessment rationale.
- Minimize risk of liability consistent with the standards of care.
- Select management options proportionate to risk level based on clinician core competencies for managing care.
- Work collaboratively to construct a suicide risk management plan that addresses near-term risk.
- Initiate a conversation about suicide using two interviewing techniques to facilitate open communication about the topic.
- Apply strategies to maintain a collaborative stance.
- Understand assessment approaches based on evidence-informed research.
- Utilize two assessment approaches based on evidence-informed research to determine the relative importance of various suicide risk factors.
- Develop a written treatment and services plan that addresses suicide ideation, immediate short-term and continuing risk for suicidal behaviors.
Enrollment Instructions
To individually enroll in this course, visit the American Association of Suicidology Events Calendar.
To book a private organizational training, complete this request.
If you would like to register a group of individuals for the Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk: Essential Skills for Clinicians© complete a group request form.
If a participant requires an accommodation, they may submit to training@suicidology.org.
Enrollment Fees
- AAS Members: $499
- Non-Members: $599
- AAS Members seeking continuing education hours or credit: $539
- Non-Members seeking continuing education hours or credit: $639
Continuing Education
Participants must complete the entire live training to receive a certificate of attendance; AAS does not give partial completion credit. Virtual participants must have their camera on during course instruction, and each must use their own device.
Continuing Education Credit Available:
- 12.5 APA CE hours
- 12.5 NBCC credit hours
- 11 NASW continuing education contact hours (live remote)
- 12.5 NASW continuing education contact hours (in person)
APA: The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. AAS maintains responsibility for the program and its content.
NBCC: The American Association of Suicidology has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5607. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The American Association of Suicidology is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
NASW (live remote): This program is Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval # 886455354-3864) for 11 continuing education contact hours.
NASW (in person): This program is Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval # 886455354-6472) for 12.5 continuing education contact hours.
For additional information or questions email Training@suicidology.org.