New Accreditation Standards Coming this September

This September, the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) will publish new accreditation standards that honor our commitment to high-quality service while expanding accreditation pathways to additional crisis modalities.

These new standards reflect the evolving field of crisis response. Programs will now be able to secure accreditation as a Crisis Call Center/988 Lifeline or a Suicide Prevention Support Line. Crisis specialist training remains a high bar for both, but the two standards will differ somewhat in operational accreditation expectations. The new standards also add greater specificity for Mobile Crisis Teams and, for the first time, provide accreditation for Alternative Mobile Response teams.

Join us on Tuesday, September 29, at 12:00 PM EDT for a webinar summarizing the different modalities now accredited and what these changes mean for current and previously accredited programs.

Setting the Gold Standard in Suicidology

As the only U.S.-based accreditation program dedicated specifically to suicidology, the American Association of Suicidology is a global leader in accrediting crisis centers against internationally recognized standards. Our evaluation process is accepted by the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and aligned with multiple state and federal accreditation requirements.

Accreditation from AAS strengthens program quality and accountability, provides a framework for ongoing self-evaluation, and signals credibility to funding agencies and insurance providers. Accredited programs serve as benchmarks of excellence in the field and assure staff and volunteers that their organization is committed to the highest standards in suicide prevention.

Accreditation encompasses a range of crisis service modalities, including telephone crisis services, text-based crisis services, web-based (emotional support) applications, mobile crisis services, and other 24-hour crisis support services. Accreditation is awarded for a three-year term.

Questions? Email Dr. Amy Sagen, LSW, Chief Transformation Officer (asagen@suicidology.org).

Get Accredited

Take the first step toward accreditation and join leading crisis service and suicide prevention organizations recognized for excellence in suicidology.

Public Complaint Process

The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) welcomes members of the public to submit concerns regarding the operations of an AAS-accredited program, including call centers and suicide prevention organizations.

To submit a grievance, please email Dr. Amy Sagen at asagen@suicidology.org and include specific details explaining why you believe the call center or service in question did not provide high-quality care or service.

AAS will acknowledge receipt of your complaint and review the program to ensure compliance with all accreditation standards. Please note that, while AAS takes all concerns seriously and may engage in quality improvement discussions with the program, we are unable to share the outcomes of those discussions with complainants.