Overview: Since its inception in the 1960s AAS has been the premier organization for suicide prevention research and workforce development. The on-demand and self-paced School Suicide Prevention Specialist Certification aims to assist school psychologists, social workers, counselors, nurses and other professionals responsible for reducing the incidence of suicide and suicidal behaviors among today’s school-age youth.
Professional Fees
Member: $299
Non-Member: $359
Student Fees
Member: $199
Non-Member: $259
Renewal Fees
Member: $199
Non-Member: $259
Apply & Register here for new Suicide Prevention Specialists or submit for renewal here.
Applications will be reviewed, and candidates will be notified of approval within 21 days.
For more information and/or to schedule a group training please contact Training@suicidology.org
Eligibility:
Candidates must possess a minimum of one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in education, social sciences/behavioral health field
- BSN, Psychiatric nursing
- Alternative training in interviewing skills and a behavioral science background
- Current employment working in an elementary, middle or high school
Candidates must complete an application and include a copy of their CV/resume.
If you aren’t sure if you are eligible please inquire at: Training@suicidology.org
The Training:
The on-demand and self-paced course covers the following topics and more:
- Evidence-based best practices
- Risk factors for youth suicide
- Warning signs for youth suicide
- How to assess youth at risk
- Prevention and postvention principles
- Parents of youth at risk
- Reintegration of a student after a suicide attempt
- Dealing with traumatic loss
- Creating safety contracts for youth at risk
- Contagion
- Litigation
Study materials and a sample test will be provided to all candidates prior to completing the web-based exam. One exam re-take is included in the original fee.
Maintaining Certification:
The initial certification is good for 5 years. Thereafter, candidates must complete a renewal form, upload proof of 9 CEs, and complete payment of the above renewal fees every 5 years.
Continuing Education:
CE credits may be earned for successful completion of the workshop component of the certification. Participants can earn 10 credits.
Certified Counselors: 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. AAS is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Psychologists: The American Association of Suicidology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. AAS maintains responsibility for the program and its content.
Social worker credits: This program is Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval # 886455354-9770) for 10 continuing education contact hours.
About the School Suicide Prevention Specialist:
Schools are the most accessible point of contact for children and adolescents with thoughts of suicide, thus are natural settings for suicide prevention activities. Many school systems have been mandated to create school suicide prevention programs and many others are doing so in recognition of the impact a student’s suicide has on the school, fellow students, teachers, and staff. Yet, most school professionals charged with developing these programs lack sufficient knowledge and/or competencies to design and implement effective programs and best practices.
(Please note, application and training materials are non-transferable)