Assessing and Managing Suicidal Risk: Resources for Clients and Therapists

Persons contemplating suicide want to stop unbearable mental pain and not necessarily end their lives. Most persons who complete suicide have no history of mental illness.

This training provides a detailed exploration of four evidenced based tools for assessing and managing suicide risk. Participants will learn 1) how to write a collaborative safety plan with the client; and 2) the fallacy of suicide contracts. Best predictors of suicidal behavior and client characteristics that increase capability for suicide are addressed.

Special attention given to COVID and suicide. Therapists and clinicians personal experiences with suicide and trauma are examined for assistance in responding to and treating suicidal clients.

GOALS and OBJECTIVES:

(1) learn four evidence-based models to use in assessing clients for suicidal ideation, plan and lethal intent for self-harm;

(2) learn 14 myths about suicide;

(3) learn the purpose and role of safety planning with suicidal clients, and how to write a collaborative safety plan with the client;

(4) learn why client feelings of entrapment are the key to understanding the suicidal mind; and the differences between internal and external entrapment;

(5) be able to state the two best predictors of suicidal behavior;

(6) be able to explain and understand two client characteristics that increase capability for suicide; and

(7) understand the relationship between ACES and suicide risk in adults.