Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention:
Mental health professionals encounter crisis presentations daily — and the stakes of an inadequate response are measured in lives. This 4-hour continuing education course provides a comprehensive, evidence-based foundation in crisis intervention and suicide prevention: the major theories of suicidal behavior and crisis development, structured risk assessment using validated instruments including the C-SSRS and SAFE-T protocol, collaborative safety planning, crisis intervention across acute and community settings, lethal means counseling, involuntary hold decision-making, documentation and liability management, and crisis work with high-risk populations including adolescents, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and older adults. Clinicians will develop both the technical competencies and the relational skills required to respond effectively when clients are in their most acute moments of psychological danger.
4
CE Hours
6
Modules
20
Quiz Questions
4
Est. Minutes
What you'll learn
- Analyze contemporary theories of suicidal behavior and explain how theoretical understanding informs clinical assessment and intervention approaches.
- Identify and differentiate among acute, chronic, and imminent suicide risk, applying appropriate assessment strategies for each risk level.
- Demonstrate competence in conducting comprehensive suicide risk assessments using validated tools and clinical interview techniques.
- Develop collaborative safety plans incorporating evidence-based elements and tailored to individual client needs and circumstances.
- Evaluate and apply crisis intervention models, including the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), SAFE-T framework, and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS).
- Describe ethical and legal obligations related to suicide risk, including documentation requirements, duty to protect, and scope of practice considerations.
- Identify population-specific risk factors and culturally responsive assessment strategies for diverse client populations.
- Implement evidence-based post-intervention strategies and postvention protocols following suicidal crises or completed suicide.
- Develop personal self-care and professional support strategies for managing the emotional impact of clinical work with suicidal clients.
- Create a comprehensive clinical protocol for suicide risk assessment, intervention, and documentation within their practice setting.
Who it's for
Licensed Professional Counselors,Licensed Clinical Social Workers,Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists,Psychologists
Approval & credit
CounselorReady is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP #7760). This course awards 4 NBCC-approved CE hours; a certificate is issued on completion. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CounselorReady is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.